How to keep your household healthy this winter?
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It is hard enough to stay healthy during the cold winter months. Throw in a global pandemic and this challenge becomes even more difficult. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to keep your family healthy and well during the winter season. Here are five ways that you can keep your household healthy this winter.
Get a flu shot
With the COVID-19 pandemic expected to peak this winter, it has never been more important to get a flu shot. The best time to get a flu shot is prior to November. This will offer you full protection throughout the entirety of the flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people ages six months or older get the vaccination.
Even if you do not feel as if you are at serious risk for developing complications as a result of the flu, getting the shot will help to protect those around you. This also means that you are doing your part to lessen the strain on the healthcare system during this challenging health crisis.
Plan ahead for exercise
It can be challenging to get in your daily exercise during the winter. Cold temperatures and freezing precipitation often make it impossible to get outside and move your body. The key to ensuring that you get the exercise that you need to stay healthy this winter is to plan ahead.
With many gyms still closed because of the pandemic, this may mean that you need to get creative with your family’s fitness goals. There is a slew of online fitness classes that make it easier to stay in shape during this time. Perhaps you want to create a family challenge to provide motivation and an extra layer of fun? The key is that you find a winter activity that will encourage physical activity.
Secure your home
While most people think of their home as a haven from germs and other irritants, your house may be making your sick. One of the best ways to stay healthy this winter is to secure your home. Start with performing your annual safety check on your furnace. Be sure to check the filter and replace it as needed.
Part of securing your home includes taking steps to protect it from pests that may disrupt the healthy balance within its walls. For example, professional pest control services in Redding, CA, or wherever you are located, will ensure that these critters do not wreak havoc on your personal oasis. Hiring an eco-friendly pest control service will give you the peace of mind that you are not bringing additional irritants into your home.
Dive into healthy produce
There is simply no substitute for healthy eating. Stocking up on produce each week will encourage healthy eating for the whole family. You will enjoy the best taste if you choose produce that is in season. Good choices for the winter include mandarin oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, sweet potatoes, turnips, kale, and squash.
You do not need to eat fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy health benefits. You can get the same nutritional value by throwing frozen produce into your favorite smoothie recipe. The goal is to be creative with how you feed your family vegetables and fruit so that they do not tire of it.
Practice good hygiene
Just like with any season, practicing good hygiene is the cornerstone of living a healthy lifestyle. Be sure that your children understand how to thoroughly wash their hands frequently throughout the day. While lathering up with warm water and soap is ideal, hand sanitizer can work in a pinch.
You should also be conscious about not touching your face unless absolutely necessary. It goes without saying that you should avoid people who are sick or who are getting over a recent illness. Practicing these common-sense hygiene rules will ensure that you are doing your best to protect your family with so many germs flying around.
Short of putting your family in a bubble, there is no way to guarantee good health for everyone throughout the season. However, implementing these five steps will go a long way in helping you to survive the brutal winter season with your family’s health intact.