Have a healthy and happy winter with these tips!
Winter, especially in colder climates, can take a toll on our bodies. It’s especially important to be mindful of your health, both physical and mental, during the coldest and darkest days of the year!
That’s why we’ve collected a list of winter health tips to see you through until spring, including:
- Be mindful of fall risks
- Keep warm
- Stay hydrated
- Keep skin moisturized
- Be mindful of your mental health
As always, if you have questions about your own personal health and wellness, make sure to get in touch with your primary care physician. They’ll be best able to help you.
Here are five winter health tips for seniors and how you can best implement them in your daily life.
Be mindful of fall risks
Being mindful of fall risks year-round is important, but it’s especially essential in the winter when there may be additional snow and ice on the ground. Even walking on surfaces that have salt or sand down to prevent slipping result in different traction than you’re used to or can shift under your feet unexpectedly. Be aware of your footing and, if necessary, consider using mobility aids such as a cane, walker, or even a companion’s arm to help guard against a fall.
Using proper footwear for the elements is key, too. Make sure your shoes have plenty of tread on the soles for maximum traction, and wear warm socks to avoid numbness and chilly toes and provide some extra grip in your shoes.
Stay warm
Staying warm in the winter can require extra layers, but making sure that your body is within safe temperatures is important. Don’t stay outdoors in frigid temperatures too long, and make sure you wear appropriate layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, scarves, and hats. Covering up is important to retain body heat, and if you feel yourself getting too cold or shivering, pop back inside to warm up. You can even check out some of our warm drink recipes to help warm you up!
If you find yourself chilly indoors (sometimes the cold can feel like it chills you to your bones), consider investing in a heated blanket. A heated blanket can help generate more warmth around your body and can help you feel toasty without needing to keep increasing the temperature in your home. Be sure to invest in a quality blanket with a good safety rating. Regardless of the brand you choose, you will still need to be careful while using it to make sure you aren’t burned and to ensure it’s working properly.
Stay hydrated
It’s easy to forget to drink enough water in the winter, particularly when you aren’t sweating, but one of the most important winter health tips is to stay hydrated. Dry, colder air, along with central heating systems, can dehydrate you. If you feel like you’re not getting enough water, try making some warm tea to up your H2O intake.
Keep skin moisturized
With the cold and dry winter air, skin and lips can become chapped, painful, and can even crack and bleed. Addressing dry skin can help you be more comfortable and healthy in winter.
Use a thick lotion to help moisturize skin on the hands and body (look for products with aloe, shea butter, or unscented creams for sensitive skin) and invest in a facial moisturizer as well (these are formulated specifically for the sensitive skin on the face and will help moisturize without negatively affecting your skin). For lips, use a moisturizing lip balm or oil to ensure they’re protected, especially when outside in the cold.
Be mindful of your mental health
One of the most important items during winter months is to be mindful of your mental health. Seasonal depression or the winter blues are common but should be taken seriously. If you find yourself feeling isolated or unhappy, make sure to reach out to family and friends, try joining an indoor winter club or activity, or even talk with your doctor about additional steps you can take, like adding vitamin D to your wellness routine.
We hope this roundup of the top winter health tips will keep you warm and toasty in the coldest time of the year! For more winter weather safety tips, check out the blog here.
