As winter settles in across the country, news reports are circulating on how to stay healthy this winter, from getting flu shots to ways you could prevent getting sick at work or at home.
In addition to washing your hands frequently, covering your sneezes and getting the flu shot, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend the following winter health tips:
* Keep your body warm. Wear layers so you can remove clothing as the temperatures increase during the day.
* Stay active. It’s harder to get out and get physical during the winter months when the temperatures drop and more clothes may be required, but participating in a sport, dancing, ice skating or just building a snowman with children or grandchildren are great ways to get your heart rate up, your blood pumping – and help you maintain your weight.
* Prevent injuries. If there’s snow and ice on the ground, wear sturdy shoes with good traction to help keep you on your feet. And if you’re hanging decorations for the many holidays that happen in the winter months, make sure you use a safe ladder or step stool to reach, not furniture.
* Check your smoke detector batteries and install a carbon monoxide detector if you don’t have one. The winter months are when people tend to seal up their homes to stay warmer, which can close in harmful, odorless CO gases.
* Heating your house could also cause indoor air pollution in the winter months. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system every year to remove dirt and allergens that accumulate on the interior surfaces for better indoor winter health.
* Other outdoor winter home safety tips include:
– Bend at the knees when you shovel snow.
– Keep a shovel and snow brush in your car, along with water, blankets, flashlights and snacks.
– Store driveway salt and/or sand near your garage and front doors to help you remove a build up of ice.
– Watch the weather reports, and don’t travel when winter weather advisories are in effect.
By following these health tips for winter, you can help your family members stay safe and healthy during the cold weather season.
