We winterize our yards, houses, cars, closets. Why not winterize ourselves, our bodies. We need to schedule our yearly preventive care appointments in September and/or October.
Here are 5 tips to stay healthy in the winter months:
- Eat healthy comfort foods. Vegetable chili, cauliflower pizza crust will warm you up without packing on the pounds.
- Get a flu shot. Important for the most vulnerable to serious flu illness, babies and young children, seniors, and people with chronic health conditions. Influenza is largely preventable, the sooner you have the protection , the better. It will also help prevent hospitals with overwhelming flu patients.
- Make an annual well visit appointment with your primary care physician. Important to keep chronic conditions in check, stay current on annual screenings and discuss any concerns before they become problems.
- Schedule annual screenings. Make sure all necessary screenings are completed. Mammogram, colonoscopy, skin check to name a few.
- Look now for an indoor place to exercise. Where can you get your steps in and your heart pumping in the cold winter months?
A Survival Kit To Stay Healthy This Winter
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This flu season will be a double whammy with the coronavirus pandemic as well. We need to take double care of ourselves. Here is a suggested list of at-home essentials to help us stay healthy this fall, winter and into the spring.
Thermometer – Easy to use and read. No skin contact thermometer detects temperature up to 2 inches away. Perfect for adults, children, and babies. Shows different colors for different body temperatures: Green ,orange, and red for a fever. Runs on 2 “AAA” batteries (not included). Also checks temperature of baby food, bath water, as well as room temperature.
Hand Sanitizer – Convenient option when soap and water aren’t available. Reduces common germs. 70% Isopropyl alcohol.
Sanitizing Hand Wipes – Convenient way to keep your hands sanitized. Kills 99.9% of germs as well as soothes and nourishes skin. Contains 65% ethyl alcohol.
Fluids -Water and electrolyte-containing drinks can help keep you from going to the hospital when you are sick. Recommended 64 ounces a day is the amount of fluids to replenish lost fluids and stay hydrated. This all-natural electrolyte replacement has B vitamins as well as other nutrients good for the whole family. You’ll only have to fill this water bottle twice.
Disinfectant and spray bottle – This non toxic blend of organic plant extracts eliminates odor, is a natural disinfectant, and is antibacterial. Reduces bacteria from door handles, sanitizes kitchens, bathrooms, and food prep areas. Helps control mold in children’s toys, play areas, and high chairs. No need to rinse, just spray and let air dry. Add 16 fluid ounces of cold water into the spray bottle and add .85 fluid ounces (25ML) of the concentrate.
Anti-inflammatory – Keep acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen on hand for fevers, aches and pains.
Stress reduction – is important in all aspects of life. Try meditation. There are many apps or just sit in a quiet place for 10 minutes and concentrate on breathing. Close the door to keep out distractions and noise.
Preventive Care for the ages
Age 30 –
Blood pressure check
BMI Evaluation
Anxiety and depression screening
Alcohol misuse (CAGE) – screening and behavioral counseling interventions
Tobacco use
Cervical Cancer screening
Domestic violance screening
STI screening
Dental exam
Age 40 –
Blood sugar
Breast exam and mammogram
Pelvic exam and pap
Blood pressure
Cholesterol profile
Stepping on the scales
Looking for moles
Protecting your eyes
Dental exam
Age 50 –
Blood pressure
Cholesterol screening
Mammogram
Colon Cancer screening
Pap test
Bone mineral density scan
Depression screening
Diabetes screening
Shingles vaccine
Dental exam
Age 60 and up –
Blood pressure
Stepping on the scales
Colorectal cancer screening
Prostate cancer screening
Breast exam and mammogram
Pelvic exam, pap smear and HPV test
Eye exam
Hearing test
Bone density test
Cholesterol screening
Vaccinations
Blood sugar
Thyroid hormone test
Look for moles
Dental exam
It is important to winterize yourself as well as your car, yard, house, and closet. You need to stay healthy all year long!
Please talk with your health care provider before starting any new supplements or diets.
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