Winter is often the season when our bodies rebel and may lead to us feeling under the weather. By following these Top Tips you can be ready when the temperatures plummet. Keep both yourself and your family healthy this winter.
Ensure you keep warm. Check the labels on your clothes and try to avoid wearing too much pure cotton (unless it is brushed cotton). Cotton is fine for summer months as it cools but it will not keep you warm in the depths of a cold winter. Mixed fibres are best and if you want to push the boat out for maximum warmth try cashmere/pure wool. When choosing your outfit for the day, you will need to wear more than one garment. If you are wearing a jumper, also wear an undergarment like a camisole or vest, warm top and then the jumper. One of the best suggestions is to buy Thermal underwear. Thermal garments have had a make over so do have a look in your local department store. Buy at least one item (you will be glad you did).
Protect heat loss. Heat loss is the main reason why we feel cold; keep your feet, hands, head and neck area warm by wearing non-cotton socks, hat, gloves and scarf. Fashion should always come second and warmth should be a firm first in cold seasons. When sleeping consider wearing extra clothes in bed including bed socks as the body, losses heat whilst we sleep. Pop a hot water bottle in your bed about 10 minutes before sleeping (makes a huge difference). If you use a hot water bottle, avoid using an electric blanket, as water and electric are lethal. Choose one or the other but not both ever!
Hydrate with warm drinks. In the warmth of summer, our bodies sweat losing liquid, which reminds us to replenish our bodies with liquid. In winter, it is rare to sweat unless you are ill or exercising. If you do not fancy a glass of cold water or cold milk, drink plenty of lovely hot chocolate, hot tea or a fancy coffee. Cuppa soups are also a great way to hydrate. A lovely refreshing drink is simply a mug of hot water, splash of lemon juice and a piece of ginger. You can spice it up with adding in some apple cordial.
Reduce the effects of dry skin. Hydration will help you skin and organs keep working. Too much artificial heating can have a drying effect on your skin so fluid is essential. Keep bowls of water around the air to help hydrate the air to keep your nose clear of mucus etc. If you feel a cold coming on add in a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water.
Vitamins are essential. Long gone are our salad days and with that plenty of fresh fruit. Vitamin C is the crucial vitamin your body needs. Vitamin C is water-soluble and as such does not stay in the body. You cannot overdose on this vitamin. Oranges are the most common source of Vitamin C but you will also find it in peppers, cauliflower, kiwi, papaya, broccoli and lemon to name but a few. Natural Vitamin C is always best for your body. However, if you need to supplement use a Vitamin C tablet of 250g of vitamin C. Vitamin C also helps with the absorption of iron from food. The majority of people will need vitamin C for well-being but if you suffer from health problems, you may want to contact your Doctor for advice.
Eat warm foods. Our bodies will need warm, nourishing food. Think hearty food such as casseroles, roast, sausage and mash, vegetarian bake or a simple hot jacket potato with chilli. You can add plenty of fresh vegetables to almost any meal. If you are, having a sandwich do add it, tomato, cucumber, lettuce etc. to benefit from vitamins. Children especially need a good breakfast before school. Porridge is ideal but not to everyone's taste so use warm milk on their favourite cereal. The motto of five portions of fresh fruit or vegetables a day is imperative in winter months to avoid flu's and colds.
Stay mobile. We become much less active in the winter but it is important to keep exercising where you can. If you do not fancy popping to the gym then walk up and down the stairs a few times a day. If you move around you create much body heat than just sitting. For the elderly, this is very important to keep the joints lubricated and maintain muscle strength.
Heating. Keep your house warm and do not skimp too much by only having one bar on the fire. You can naturally reduce expensive bills by closing doors to rooms to keep the heat in. Use draught excluders around windows and doors. Don't heat the house too much if you are not in it as it is a waste of resources and money but do ensure you set the regulator to be warm before you get up and be warm when you arrive home. Use heavier curtains if you can in winter it keeps the draughts out considerably. If your loft does not have adequate insulation, contact your local council to see if they can offer assistance.
Be ready. Keep essential items in your car in case bad weather arrives quickly without notice. The key things you will need for a journey are a couple of blankets, heat pads, thermos of tea, water, snack bars, torch, emergency rescue numbers, items to keep kids amused, shovel for removing snow. Also, any medical/prescription items you might need. All check your car is road worthy before setting out on a long journey and check the weather reports regularly.
Stock up. Weather can be unpredictable even with frequent weather reports. Always keep plenty of milk, bread and essential items in your cupboard just in case you cannot get out to the shops for a few days.
