Six Winter Health Tips

Keep your family healthy all season long.

1) Wash Your Hands Often

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to the onset of a cold and flu. Wash your hands in a scrubbing motion with soap for at least 15 seconds to help remove germs. A good rule thumb is to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while washing your hands.

2) Stay Warm

Exposure to cold outdoor temperatures can cause serious or life-threatening health problems, such as hypothermia and frostbite. To stay warm, dress in light loose-fitting layers and wear mittens and a hat. Trapped air between layers of clothing offers better insulation from the cold. For the same reason, mittens offer greater insulation and keep your hands and fingers warmer than gloves. Also, by wearing a hat, you can keep approximately half of your body's heat from escaping.

3) Manage Stress

Stress can bring on or worsen certain symptoms and diseases. To help relieve stress around the holiday season, make sure you’re not over-committing yourself, keep track of your spending, and take time to enjoy the spirit of the season. The holidays don’t need to take a toll on your health. Learn how to manage stress by attending our four-part series on stress management.

4) Get Check-ups and Vaccinations

Exams and screenings can help detect problems early, when they may be easier to treat. Vaccinations help prevent infectious diseases and save lives. If you’re 65 years old or older, be sure to get a pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccination. Plan a visit to your doctor’s office. Or to find a physician near you, call 1-800-642-0101.

5) Prevent Injuries

Injuries from falls, fires, and fireworks often occur around the holidays. To help prevent injuries, stand on ladders and step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations, and install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, including the basement. Join us for our first-aid class to learn how to treat injuries if they occur.

6) Be Tobacco-free

Live a healthier life and lower your risk of disease by avoiding tobacco and secondhand smoke. Just 20 minutes after smoking a cigarette, a person’s body begins a series of life-giving repairs that continue for years. Be smoke-free by joining our Freedom from Smoking program.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention