How to Stay Healthy During the Texas Winter Months
The winter months bring us the holidays, peppermint mochas, and the sniffles. While it can seem like a part of life to get sick during the winter, there are ways to help prevent sicknesses and other emergencies from happening. Here are our recommendations of staying healthy this winter.
Layer Up & Go Outside
It may be cold outside, but try spending at least a little time outside every day. Exposure to sunlight and fresh air is important for your mental health and can help prevent seasonal affective disorder, which is a type of depression you get during seasonal changes. When you are outside, it’s important to layer up your wardrobe. Layering helps to maintain your core body heat and protects you from cold air and (possible) snow. The most vulnerable part of your body are your fingers and toes, so make sure you have some nice, thick gloves and socks!
Protect Your Heart
As temperature drops, heart disease rates rise. This happens for a multitude of reasons, including high stress levels, over consumption of food and drinks, and over exerting oneself outdoors. While we all enjoy having fun and eating good meals during the holidays, it’s good to note what you’re doing and consuming. Some suggestions we have are:
- Find opportunities to reduce your stress levels. High stress levels elevate your blood pressure, heart rate, and respitory rate. Don’t let the stress of the holidays uptick your heart. Be mindful of your stress levels and remember to get enough sleep and you time.
- Practice eating in moderation. Of course it’s okay to have that cheesecake or eat those tamales, just don’t overdo it. Eating a diet of high saturated or trans fats is linked to heart disease, while too much salt and alcohol raises your blood pressure.
- Be mindful when your outside. Cold air may make your arteries constrict. This causes a decrease of blood flow and oxygen to your heart.
Get Your Flu Shot
The seasonal flu sickens millions of people a year and causes thousands of hospitalizations and flu-related deaths in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Each year, the Flu vaccines are updated to best protect against new strains of the flu virus. If you’re not sure where to get your flu shot, you can always book an appointment at HealthTexas!
Wash Your Hands
This may be ingrained in our minds, but we always want to put out this reminder. One of the most important things we can do to keep us from getting sick is to keep our hands clean. We can share germs while we’re eating, shaking hands, pressing elevator buttons, or grabbing onto objects. As science shows us, make it a habit to wash your hands throughout the day, especially during the winter months.
If You’re Feeling Sick, Let HealthTexas Help YOU!
If you do end up getting sick during this season, remember to cover your cough and let our team of award-winning doctors help you recover! Whether you’re new or have been with us before, you can set-up an appointment using our online system. Stay safe and enjoy the winter!