Article by FabafterFifty

As the New Year starts and we have lots of good intentions to exercise more, eat more healthily, sart that long awaited project, the last thing we want is to…. catch a cold.

Winter is the time of year when you’re most likely to come down with an illness, and no matter how well prepared you may think you are, Yahoo News has reason to say otherwise with their recent report on some of the most likely places where germs could spread.

Before you start wiping down every single kitchen surface and toilet seat in both home and office, there are a few simple preparations you can make which reduce the risk of coming down with something nasty this winter.

Your body

Most importantly – stop putting it off and make an appointment at the doctor’s. Flu is always rife during the winter, and with people working in packed offices, using public transport and handling goods in supermarkets, the illness spreads easily.

You can avoid the flu by getting your flu jab, but you can also give your immune system a big boost by regularly taking Omega3 – cod liver oil is great, and available in easy-to-swallow capsules.

Wash your hands frequently – it is recommended that you carry some sanitising gel with you, so that you can cleanse your hands on the go.

Your home

Winter brings with it damp conditions- one of the main causes of breathing problems according to the NHS. A dehumidifier will dry out your home and vastly decrease the risk of respiratory problems such as shortness of breath.

Make sure that your home is well ventilated. If you have a gas fire, it’s a good idea to have it checked to make sure that it isn’t giving off any potentially harmful fumes. Wood fires can also give off fumes, and it is advised that you have your chimney cleaned before winter.

Staying active & diet

When the weather is horrendous and a night in front of the telly is tempting, don’t let it stop you from continuing a similar fitness routine than you’d normally follow. If it really is too cold then think about adapting your training schedule to incorporate some indoor elements.

Winter can be rife with tummy bugs, which is why it’s important to stay active and keep an eye on what you’re eating. The temptation to lean towards richer foods during winter could upset your stomach even more if you fall ill with a winter bug, so Today.com recommends being careful with your diet and exercising to keep your body running smoothly.

Along with some sage advice from Saga Health, this simple and easy to follow advice should help to keep you healthy with no excuses to keep on track with those New Year’s resolutions. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!

Ceri Wheeldon

Ceri is Founder and Editor of Fabafterfifty.co.uk She is a frequent speaker at events and in the media on topics related to women over 50 , including style and living agelessly. With 20+ years experience as a headhunter Ceri also now helps support those looking to extend their working lives.

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