Tips for Skipping Winter Colds
By Genevieve Cunningham
Colds. A runny nose, fever, sneezing. While having a cold -- especially in the winter -- is completely normal, no one actually enjoys it. And if we can avoid catching a cold, we'll gladly do so. But colds are unavoidable, right? We either catch them or we don't. While some colds may be luck of the draw, there are things that we can do to avoid as many as possible. If you would like to make it through the winter with as few colds as possible, take a look at these tips to keep you well all year.
You Must Wash Your Hands
Doctors predict that the single biggest way to avoid illness is to wash your hands. Why? Because this removes the germs from your body before you unknowingly transfer them to your mouth and nose. Just make washing your hands a habit. Do it every time you visit the restroom. Do it every time you sneeze, cough, touch doorknobs, or shake hands. Do it before and after you eat. Making simple hand washing a habit is one of the easiest ways to avoid illness and keep yourself well through the winter.
Visit Your Doctor
We tend to avoid the doctor as adults. We don't go for checkups. We tough out illness as long as possible. While it's OK to do a little bit of self-care on your own, you should definitely see your doctor during the winter. They can help you avoid illness -- with things such as the flu and pneumonia shot -- and they can also give you tips for boosting your own immune system and fighting off illness at home.
Eat the Right Foods
Your body has a natural defense against all germs. It's the immune system, and its job is to stop germs before they make you really sick. Does the immune system work? For most people, the answer is yes. But there are things that you can do to strengthen it, and one of the most important things is to feed your body well. Make sure that you are getting plenty of Vitamin C in your diet. You can do this through citrus fruit, leafy greens, and even supplements. It also helps to pack your diet with plenty of veggies and lean meats. The healthier your diet, the healthier your body, and the stronger your immune system becomes.
No one likes to suffer from colds during the fun of the holidays. In fact, no one likes to suffer through colds at any time of year! And while catching a cold from time to time is completely normal, you can certainly take steps to avoid as many as possible. Use these tips to stay healthy this season, and feel better all the way into the new year.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Charlotte, N.C.