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With the arrival of the colder weather comes the arrival of cold and flu season and a host of other illnesses. Here are five of the best ways that you can protect your family’s health during the long winter months.
Practice Good Personal Hygiene
Good health starts with good personal hygiene. Teaching your kids to wash their hands properly is the single best thing that you can do to keep illnesses at bay. Proper hand washing is an effective way to halt the spread of illnesses and to ensure that your family stays as healthy as possible.
The best hand washing technique begins with warm water and lots of soap. While hand sanitizers are acceptable in a pinch and while on the go, old-fashioned soap and water is still the best choice for killing germs before they spread. Teaching young kids to sing the ABCs as they wash their hands will ensure that they are scrubbing for a long enough time to be effective.
Lean Into Supplements
You can also lean on supplements to keep your family healthy throughout the winter. In addition to a daily multi-vitamin, you would be wise to consider the use of probiotic tablets. This type of targeted supplement mitigates the presence of bad bacteria in the gut while supporting the healthy bacteria that delivers a boost to the body’s immune system.
Prioritize Sleep
Take advantage of the longer nights by prioritizing sleep during this season. Not only will you feel better and enjoy more energy, a healthy sleep schedule will give the body time to recover from the day and improve the immune system. Adults should aim to get between 7 – 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal immune function. Children need between 9 – 11 hours of sleep to stay as healthy as possible. You can encourage good sleeping habits for your children by creating a comfortable environment for them to rest, supporting regular bedtimes, and taking away their screens at least two hours before they go to sleep.
Make a Plan for Physical Activity
One of the biggest challenges of the short and cold days of winter is that it is harder to get out and exercise. You can address this challenge by planning ahead so that you are not caught off guard. Registering your child for a winter sports league is a good way to support regular exercise during this time of the year.
You can also consider finding a winter activity that the whole family can do together. For example, maybe you want to take up snow skiing or snowshoeing? Rather than avoiding the weather that winter brings, lean into it and make the most of this special time of the year.
Stock Your Kitchen
Although it is admittedly easier to eat healthier during the summer when fresh fruits and vegetables are plentiful, there are still plenty of ways that you can support good nutrition during the winter. Canned and frozen fruits and veggies are often just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts.
You can also focus on produce that is naturally in season during the winter. Good vegetable choices include beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, kale, and winter squash. For the best fresh fruit in season, turn to options as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and kiwi. Having some recipes ready to go will make it easier for you to prepare nutritious foods using produce that is at its peak.
Consider Vaccinations
Modern immunizations and targeted supplements are another cornerstone of good health. Start with ensuring that your entire family gets their flu shot in the fall. This shot will protect your family and those around you. It is also important to make sure that your family is up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine and every recommended booster shot. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent illnesses when administered as recommended by health care professionals.
Conclusion
While you cannot guarantee perfect health by following these five tips, you will certainly put your family in a better position to weather the onslaught of winter illnesses if you put them into practice. Every little bit of prevention helps in your fight to stay healthy throughout the winter.
