Staying Healthy Through Winter

The cold winter months leave much to be desired--from the freezing temperatures to less hours of sun, but that's not all. The cold and flu run rampant through the office or classroom, leaving you with sniffles and body aches when you least want--or expect them. While it's inevitable you might end up with a cold bug here or there, there are a few ways you can limit your exposure to a cold or flu virus:

Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands frequently throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to prevent getting sick. There are live viruses pretty much anywhere you touch--from the office keyboard or telephone to the cart handle at the grocery store. Viruses can sustain themselves for hours, even on plastic surfaces.

Use a hand sanitizer or antibacterial soap before touching your food, mouth, nose or eyes to prevent the virus from being transmitted into your body. When you come home from running errands, wash your hands before going about your day to keep from spreading viruses around the home. Carry a hand sanitizer in your purse at all times to conveniently cleanse your hands throughout the day.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water is essential for daily living and keeps you hydrated. Dry skin can be a problem when you don't drink plenty of water, but being dehydrated also leaves your body open to viruses. When you lack water, your immune system needs to work harder and may not prevent a cold or flu bug from knocking you out for a few days.

Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day, even when it's cold outside. Your skin--and immune system--will thank you!

Take Your Vitamins

Vitamin C is synonymous with the cold season, but just taking the chewable tablet isn't enough to keep you from getting sick. Consuming a diet filled with vitamins and minerals is essential in making sure you and your immune system are working at an optimal level. Be wary of vitamin supplements that claim to boost the immune system, because they often have a limited effect.

Instead, eat plenty of colorful vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers as well as spinach and broccoli. Get healthy doses of vitamins with citrus fruits, apples and blueberries.

Stay Active

As hard as it sometimes is to go out in the cold weather to exercise either in a gym or outdoors, staying active is vital in keeping the body healthy and stress levels low to avoid catching a cold or flu. Exercise strengthens the body, as well as the immune system.

Try to get at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

Using these tips throughout the winter can help you limit the amount of sick days you use, in addition to keeping you healthy. Boosting your immune system naturally is one simple way to avoid the wintertime blues!