The cold winter months can be a challenging time for our health. The frigid temperatures and lack of sunlight can take a toll on our bodies. Additionally, the holidays often lead to unhealthy eating and exercise habits. However, there are many things we can do to stay healthy, improve our immune system, and reduce our risk of serious conditions like stroke during the winter.
Get Your Flu Shot
The flu can be very dangerous, especially for older adults and people with chronic illnesses. Make sure to get your annual flu shot – this will boost your immunity and lower your risk of getting sick. Getting the flu can actually increase your risk of having a stroke.
Eat Immunity Boosting Foods
What we eat can have a big impact on how susceptible we are to illness during cold weather. Focus on eating immunity boosting foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, ginger, yogurt, and nuts. Try sipping on bone broth or tea with lemon and honey to get an extra dose of nutrients.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is more likely in the winter when we don’t feel as thirsty. But dehydration can thicken the blood and make it more prone to clotting – which can lead to stroke. Combat winter dehydration by making a habit of sipping warm herbal tea, warm water with lemon, or other hydrating drinks throughout your day.
Keep Moving
It’s tempting to become a couch potato in the winter, but inactivity is dangerous for our cardiovascular system. Make sure to exercise regularly during the winter – this gets the blood pumping and reduces stroke risk factors like high blood pressure. Go for walks outside, sign up for a gym class, or do home workouts during bad weather.
Manage Stress
The holidays and shorter days can pile on extra stress in the winter. High stress causes inflammation in the body and thickens the blood, raising stroke risk. Be proactive about managing stress – try daily meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or speaking with a therapist. Identifying your stressors and developing healthy coping mechanisms will keep your risk lower.
Listen to Your Body
Many winter illnesses like cold, flu, sinus infections, or COVID can increase inflammation and the chance of blood clots. Don’t ignore warning signs like fevers, body aches, dizziness, or extreme fatigue. Reach out to your doctor – treating any illnesses quickly can lower your stroke risk.
The winter does not have to derail your health goals. With some preparation and awareness, you can stay healthy, fit, and energized through the colder months. Be vigilant about your diet, hydration, exercise, and stress levels. Listen to your body and see your doctor as needed. With a proactive approach, you can thrive this winter and avoid the increased stroke risks that cold weather can bring.
Get Your Flu Shot
The flu can be very dangerous, especially for older adults and people with chronic illnesses. Make sure to get your annual flu shot – this will boost your immunity and lower your risk of getting sick. Getting the flu can actually increase your risk of having a stroke.
Eat Immunity Boosting Foods
What we eat can have a big impact on how susceptible we are to illness during cold weather. Focus on eating immunity boosting foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, ginger, yogurt, and nuts. Try sipping on bone broth or tea with lemon and honey to get an extra dose of nutrients.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is more likely in the winter when we don’t feel as thirsty. But dehydration can thicken the blood and make it more prone to clotting – which can lead to stroke. Combat winter dehydration by making a habit of sipping warm herbal tea, warm water with lemon, or other hydrating drinks throughout your day.
Keep Moving
It’s tempting to become a couch potato in the winter, but inactivity is dangerous for our cardiovascular system. Make sure to exercise regularly during the winter – this gets the blood pumping and reduces stroke risk factors like high blood pressure. Go for walks outside, sign up for a gym class, or do home workouts during bad weather.
Manage Stress
The holidays and shorter days can pile on extra stress in the winter. High stress causes inflammation in the body and thickens the blood, raising stroke risk. Be proactive about managing stress – try daily meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or speaking with a therapist. Identifying your stressors and developing healthy coping mechanisms will keep your risk lower.
Listen to Your Body
Many winter illnesses like cold, flu, sinus infections, or COVID can increase inflammation and the chance of blood clots. Don’t ignore warning signs like fevers, body aches, dizziness, or extreme fatigue. Reach out to your doctor – treating any illnesses quickly can lower your stroke risk.
The winter does not have to derail your health goals. With some preparation and awareness, you can stay healthy, fit, and energized through the colder months. Be vigilant about your diet, hydration, exercise, and stress levels. Listen to your body and see your doctor as needed. With a proactive approach, you can thrive this winter and avoid the increased stroke risks that cold weather can bring.