BRRRR….winter is nearly upon us and already we are starting to feel the chill in some parts of the country.  In this blog post we take a look at some of the common winter ailments and what you can do over the winter months to keep your health in tip-top shape.

Get a flu shot

We can’t stress how important it is to get a flu shot, especially if you already have other health conditions, are pregnant, older or younger.  On top of that, the common cold is even more common in winter, so it is vital to keep on top of practices such as hand-washing, covering your mouth when you cough, keeping surfaces clean and staying away from those with cold-like symptoms.

For some groups of people in some states the flu shot is free.  

Eat well, drink well

Many of us tend to move into a hibernation state during winter – turning to comfort food and drink to keep warm.  There’s nothing more comforting than a warming soup or stew packed with nourishing ingredients, but you also need to make sure you are getting all your vitamins, eating lots of fresh food and keeping consumption of processed and sugary foods in check. 

We also tend to forget to drink enough water during the colder months, but adequate hydration is just as important during winter as it is in summer.  Spending lots of time inside in artificial heating can dry you out, so keep the water topped up to stay hydrated.

Stay warm!

It seems obvious, but for those of us who live in warmer states, we sometimes forget (and have to find) our winter woollies at the start of each winter.  Dig them out of the cupboard so you can rug up when you go out, put that extra blanket on the bed and make sure your home is toasty warm.  Remind your older loved ones to do the same, as cold weather can be especially dangerous for our older relatives or those with chronic health conditions.

Watch what you are breathing in.

Many of us in colder parts of the country have fireplaces in our homes, so make sure the chimney is swept before lighting that first fire of the season to ensure that smoke is not lingering in your home.  Make sure you don’t use treated wood or any wood that could emit any toxic fumes or gases when they burn. 

With darker and colder days comes mould, so be on the lookout for areas of your home that are damp or where there is not enough ventilation.  Do your best to keep everything warm and dry, and air things out on the day the sun does appear.

Keep exercising

It might not seem very enticing to get up and go outside for exercise on a cold, frosty morning, but keeping up the exercise during the winter months helps maintain a base level of fitness and keep your weight in check.  Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the temperature, and consider other options for exercise if it really is too cold or wet to go out, such as joining a gym or doing some at-home YouTube workouts. 

Winter can be a tough time for those with chronic conditions such as asthma or arthritis, so make sure you are aware of your symptoms and book in for an appointment if you feel unwell.

This website does not provide medical advice.  It is intended for informational purposes only.  It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment.  If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately dial Triple 0 (000).