Stay Warm This Winter

With the winter months approaching, you’ll likely be stocking up on cold and flu remedies, such as Tami Flu or Relenza, and bracing yourself for the oncoming barrage of flu bugs that spring in to action so often at this time of year.

There are a number of things you can do to make yourself less susceptible to seasonal winter illnesses. Keeping your immune system running at optimum is one way, and you can do this by ensuring you’re getting enough sleep, and taking vitamin C supplements. Another way is to practice good hygiene, and avoid getting too close to those who are suffering from infection.

But one of the most fundamental ways of keeping colds and flu at bay is to keep warm during colder weather. And this doesn’t just help prevent colds and flu – staying warm can also reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Here are some steps you can take to ensure you and your family don’t end up feeling under the weather this winter:

Close Your Windows and Doors

With the warmer weather behind us, your home is probably going to be much less stuffy during the coming weeks, so try to keep your windows and doors shut as much as possible. If you have any unsealed windows letting in a draft, call a handyman to come out and fix them.

Heating

We know having the heating on costs money, but there are ways of reducing your energy expenditure while keeping your home nice and cosy. Installing loft and cavity wall insulation is one. If you don’t have it already, you might be entitled to free fitting from your energy supplier.

Eat Hot Meals

A hearty but balanced diet, with plenty of hot meals is a good way of keeping yourself warm during winter. Soups and warm bread rolls are great for lunch, and hot drinks such as herbal teas can be very beneficial too – especially just before bedtime (however, do make sure in this case that they’re caffeine-free).

Wrap Up Outside

It’s not summer anymore, so dig out your winter coat and your woolly hat, and invest in a scarf and a pair of gloves if you don’t have them already!