Nothing puts a damper on winter festivities like an illness that sweeps through the whole family. Is your family protected? In addition to the standard precautions, like frequent hand-washing, follow these steps to keep your family healthy through the winter.
Wash out Your Nasal Passages
The idea of nasal irrigation is not appealing to everyone, but there’s research that indicates it may help treat rhinitis, upper respiratory conditions, sinus infections, and even allergies. Despite the low cost, accessibility, and effectiveness, the practice is underutilized. Consider adding nasal irrigation to your self-care routine, and talk to your pediatrician about teaching your older children to use it as well.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
You may assume your home is a safe zone from germs, but that may not be the case. There are several ways to improve the air quality in your home to help guard your family against cold and flu season. First, be sure to use a high-quality air filter in your HVAC system, which can filter out smaller particles that other air filters may not catch. Change your air filter at least monthly to keep the system working at peak effectiveness.
Did you know that cold, dry air enables some germs to stay airborne longer? Make sure the humidity in your home is in the ideal range of 30 to 50 percent using humidifiers or dehumidifiers. Another option that may fit your needs is an air purifier. Consult with a professional to explore the choices best for your family.
Take Care of Your Feet
Don’t forget to take special care of your feet! The cold, snow, ice, and wet socks inside winter boots can all take a toll on your feet. Use a heavy moisturizer on your feet to keep dry skin from cracking, which can provide an opening for opportunistic fungi to take up residence. Keep an extra pair of moisture-wicking socks with you so that you can change them. Better to have them and not need them than the reverse!
Drink Lots of Water
We tend to feel less thirsty in the cold weather, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need the water! Unfortunately, feeling less thirsty means dehydration can sneak up on you. Water delivers nutrients to cells in your body, and carries out toxins from your body, so dehydration can make you more susceptible to falling ill.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Why not do everything we can to help our immune systems? Add fiber into your diet, which helps to boost your immune system. Take your daily multivitamin, and consider other herbal supplements that could help avoid or lessen the effects of a cold or the flu.
Don’t forget, the flu shot is recommended for new and expectant mothers, children, and the elderly. While no one wants to catch the flu, there’s an increased risk of severe complications in these vulnerable populations. Talk to your doctor about whether vaccines for other illnesses, like whooping cough, offer additional protection for your family.
Just a few preparations could help keep your family well all winter long.
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