We asked Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) staff for their advice on staying well during this long winter stretch. They answered the call in droves and we have created our top 10 Tips to Stay Well. Follow all of the tips or focus on one; they are as unique as we are!
Get
fresh air
We spend 90% of our life indoors but getting
outside can have a positive effect on our physical and
mental health. Sunshine boosts your vitamin D levels and the light can improve
your mood. Spending time outdoors may also help to improve your concentration.
And you can’t beat the view! Bundle
up
and explore the North Country this winter.
“I don’t have time. It’s too expensive. I’m tired.
It’s too cold” The excuses keep coming. Only half of adults are meeting the guidelines
for physical activity. In addition to preventing chronic
illnesses, exercise can improve your mental health and sleep patterns. This is
especially important during the winter months, as we tend to be less active. Any
amount of physical
activity can benefit your health; move more, sit less. Drop
your excuses – utilize breaks in your day, no matter how short, to get your
body moving.
Drink plenty of water
during the day whether at work or play. The amount of water you consume each
day can play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Being dehydrated
can lead to fatigue, decrease alertness and concentration. Pick out a fun,
reusable bottle and start hydrating today!
Lifelong learning is good for your health. You
should exercise
your brain just as you would exercise your muscles. Keeping
your brain active may help reduce your risk of developing dementia. Feeling
stuck inside this winter? Pick up a new hobby, learn a new language or take a
class that interests you.
A yearly flu
vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting
against flu viruses. Everyone
6 months or older should get a flu shot each year. Not
only can it reduce flu illnesses, it also reduces doctors’ visits, and missed
work or school due to flu. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, it’s not too late!
As long as the flu virus is still circulating, you can get yourself, or your
family, vaccinated. Talk to your doctor today.
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits
and vegetables.
People who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet
may reduce risk for heart disease, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes and certain
types of cancers. Make sure to eat a rainbow; different colored fruits and
vegetables contain different nutrients important to your body’s overall health.
These antioxidants, vitamins and minerals will help keep your immune system
fine-tuned for fighting off all the germs circulating this time of year.
Laughter
is the best medicine! It can brighten and lighten your day as well as relieve
stress and soothe tension. Over time it can even improve your immune system and
relieve pain. If life gets you down, try to find a bit of humor in it. Don’t
let the winter blues get you down. Surround yourself with positive people and
reminders to stay positive.
Even during the winter, it takes only 15 minutes for
the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays to damage
your skin. Snow reflects the sun’s rays, which can increase
your chance of getting burned. Apply broad spectrum sunscreen
with at least SPF 15 before you go outside all year long.
Stay well this winter!
CCHD Staff
CCHD Staff
