How can you boost your health during the cold season?
- Wash your hands.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Spend time outdoors.
- Manage your stress.
- Get vaccinated.
The cold season in the Philippines comes and goes, and even as we are experiencing the end of the coldest months of the year, it is still possible to get sick. In this article, we discuss some tips to boost your health during the cold season that can be applied at any time of the year.
Keep these in mind during these early months of 2023, when fluctuating temperatures can cause unexpected illnesses, especially for those with weaker immune systems. Here are some ways to stay healthy during the cold season and beyond:
Wash Your Hands
If there’s one thing the pandemic has ingrained in all of us, it’s the importance of proper hygiene and cleanliness. It’s a good thing, too, since research finds that a large percentage of diseases are spread via contaminated hands. If everyone routinely washed their hands, about a million deaths could be prevented each year.
While washing your hands is a reminder you might hear all the time, especially in restaurants and hospitals, it’s always important to remember since too many people still neglect this habit of keeping their hands clean.
Get Plenty of Sleep
One of the benefits of sleep is that it boosts your immune system. Research has shown that people who have low-quality sleep or don’t get enough sleep at all are more likely to get sick after exposure to viruses compared to those who get the recommended hours. This is because as we sleep, the body releases proteins called cytokines, which are necessary to fight infection, inflammation, or stress. Sleep deprivation causes a decrease in the production of these cytokines, thus lowering our immunity.
Drink Lots of Water
In the hot summer months, we tend to get thirsty more often and therefore drink more water. But in the cold months or the weeks during which the weather rapidly changes from chilly to warm, we tend to forget that we are thirsty. This could lead to dehydration, which in turn causes unclear thinking, mood changes, overheating, and in worst-case scenarios even constipation and kidney stones.
So even when you don’t feel thirsty, remember to drink water. Consuming the recommended eight glasses a day keeps your body hydrated and functioning properly.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating healthy should always be at the top of your list of good habits, not just because it keeps your body fit and functioning, but also because it prevents illnesses. In the cold season, immunity is the key to making sure you don’t get sick, and the way to boost your immune system is to watch what you consume. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins C and D.
Spend Time Outdoors
As mentioned, vitamins C and D are good for boosting your immune system. While vitamin C is commonly found in foods like citrus fruits and some vegetables, the best source for vitamin D is right outside your window. So go for a walk, lounge in the garden, play some sports, or find some other way to soak up the sunlight that’s rich in vitamin D for your body to absorb.
Remember to put on sunscreen and wear the appropriate clothing, however—since the weather changes so quickly, you need to be prepared in case it starts raining!
Manage Your Stress
Stress is a silent killer. Besides affecting the body in other negative ways, stress causes your body to produce cortisol, which is a hormone that suppresses your immune system’s effectiveness. Therefore, managing your stress is important not just for your immune system, but for your well-being and the mood of those around you as well.
If you’re having a hard time with this, we understand. Lots of people have trouble with stress. One thing you can do if the stress gets too much is to approach your clinician. He or she can recommend some techniques, supplements, or habits you can consider for lowering your stress levels and getting some relaxation.
Get Vaccinated
Finally, remember that the cold season is often also flu season in the Philippines and other parts of the world. So if you want an extra boost in your immunity and if you have a tendency to get sick during this time of the year, get vaccinated! Ask your doctor for the appropriate shots you need to stay up to date on vaccines.
Key Takeaway
As the cold season comes to a close, remember not to be complacent when it comes to your health. With these tips to boost your health during the cold season and beyond, you’re sure to be in top shape for whatever comes your way this 2023. Stay healthy with Perpetual Help Medical Center – Las Pinas, a premier medical center in Las Pinas, and you’ll be ready for anything!