The cold temperature brought by winter is both a good and bad thing. It is nice to enjoy the cold air and play in the snow. But sometimes, the cold temperature brings sickness and diseases that if left untreated, could be life-threatening. According to a report from the UK broadcaster, the BBC, there was a significant increase in the death rate in England during the first quarter of 2018. In fact, the number of deaths was the highest for that period since 2009. The increase in deaths was attributed to the flu brought on by the climate.
In order to prevent catching flu during winter, follow these quick steps.
Dress in layers
Clothes made from cotton, wool or fleece are the warmest and work best when maintaining body heat. Two or three layers of clothes can work depending on the temperature. Wear a hat that goes past your ears whenever you go outside to keep your head and ears warm.
Stay active
Be as active as possible to boost your blood circulation. Work out for at least twenty minutes to warm up and avoid sitting for long periods of time. Simple and light exercises like push-ups, sit-ups or jumping jacks can help keep you warm. When you do sit down, remember to move around for every twenty minutes or so.
Check your home’s thermostat
Set your home’s thermostat to above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal temperature to stay comfortable indoors. Turn the thermostat down by 5 degrees when going out to save electricity.
Make sure your HVAC unit is up to the task of keeping you warm. By now, you should already have invested in a heat pump service and other machines to keep the cold air out. It is also ideal if you have proper insulation around your house.
Limit your time outdoors
Avoid going outdoors unless you really need to. When you do need to go outside, wear enough layers of clothes to keep you warm. Walk quickly but carefully so you do not have to spend a long time in the cold.
If you are doing work outside and the temperature is below freezing, it is advisable to go inside every 15 to 30 minutes to warm up.
Eat hot food and drinks
Food like soup, beef stew and hot cocoa warm up your body during the winter. Prepare at least one hot meal a day that is high in carbs. This will keep you warm without compromising your energy intake. It would be nicer to pair your meal with a hot drink, like herbal tea so that you can remain comfortable throughout the day. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Caffeinated drinks increase the blood flow but decrease the body’s temperature. Meanwhile, alcohol lowers body temperature.
Take a warm bath
After your day is done, you may relax in your bathtub and enjoy the water to bring your core temperature up. Once you are done bathing, let the used water evaporate into the air for a while. The evaporation will keep your home humidified and warm.
We can’t stop the cold winter air from coming, but we can prepare for it. The most important thing is to always take care of yourself and be healthy so that your body will have the ability to resist any infection or illness.
