As we head into winter, looking after your health has never been more important. Trying to stay fit and healthy is a priority for everyone, and after a year of uncertainty surrounding coronavirus, you need to do everything you can to maintain your health.
The cold weather can increase the risk of catching a virus like cold and flu, and with the Covid-19 outbreak still ongoing, you must take care of yourself as best as you can. Here are four ways to look after your health this winter.
Get tested for Covid-19
With the global pandemic still ongoing all across the world, you may be worried about catching the virus or coming into contact with someone who may have it. Not only is it a concern for your physical health, but the pandemic can affect your mental wellbeing too. If you are concerned about it, you can get a private Covid test which will tell you if you test positive or negative for the virus. Getting tested may give you peace of mind. Remember to keep washing your hands regularly and if you are unable to use soap and water, you should use a hand sanitiser as an alternative.
Protect yourself from flu
It’s that time of year where you are more at risk of catching cold and flu, which can be spread easily. To prevent this, you can get a flu jab which you may be able to get for free if you are eligible, or if you don’t meet the criteria, you can pay for one instead. To get the NHS flu jab for free you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Be aged 50 or older
- Are pregnant
- Have certain health conditions (diabetes, asthma, heart failure)
- Be in long-stay residential care
- The main carer for an older or disabled person
- Live with someone who is at high risk of coronavirus
- A health and social care worker
The flu jab is being offered to more people this year, so if you don’t meet the criteria for the free flu jab, it may be worth considering paying for one.
Eat healthily
In winter, and especially around Christmas, people tend to overindulge in food. However, it’s important to find the right balance when it comes to diet. Having a festive treat is fine as long as you are eating a variety of fruits and vegs to get your essential vitamins and minerals which help boost your immune system as this can help fight off cold and flu this winter.
Stay active
Exercising in winter can be a struggle for a lot of people. It’s darker and colder and all motivation seems to go out of the window. But it’s important to still keep moving whenever you can. There are plenty of indoor activities you can do, like exercise classes (over zoom) a 10-minute workout from your living room, or you can simply wrap up and go for a lovely winter walk.
It’s important this winter to stay strong and fit and to take extra care when it comes to your health.