Winterize Yourself and Stay Healthy Through the Cold Months

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:

1. Eat healthy comfort foods. Vegetable chili, cauliflower pizza crust will warm you up without packing on the pounds.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Schedule annual screenings. Make sure all necessary screenings are completed. Mammogram, colonoscopy, skin check to name a few.
5. 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

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure for more details.

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.

Please comment and share this blog post.

Sign up for my email list so you won’t miss anything.