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Beating the Cold

© Floyd Tilton

Winter weather often means cold and flu season, as well as a myriad of other problems including asthma and bronchitis which are faced by those with respiratory problems. In order to counteract the effects of Mother Nature, here are a few tips to help keep you in "tip-top" health this winter.

Make sure your living area is over 65 degrees F., when the weather is cold. The ideal indoor temperature is 70 degrees F. Usually a range between these two figures will be comfortable. Make sure, however that cold air doesn't leak inside. Close off all windows, etc., that leak air around them. Another tip is to turn ceiling fans to the downward blowing position if possible. Remember, warm air rises, so why not use that natural principle to push that warmer air back down to where you actually are?

Don't be tempted to turn up the heat and bask in a Caribbean-like atmosphere. If you get too hot you'll sweat as the body tries to cool down. Then when you go outside into the freezing conditions, your body's temperature regulator will take emergency action and make you shiver to generate heat. Unfortunately, shivering weakens the immune system, heightening the chance of catching a bug.

Bundle up when going outside. Going from a warm house into the winter cold won't affect your health unless you're not wearing enough. To avoid overheating, dress in layers. Then you can peel them off as the need arises. When you go outside your body begins to cool, but it soon starts to regulate its temperature if you are warmly dressed. If you shiver it means you are losing heat. The more clothing you wear outside, the less likely you'll be to catch something.

Don't use cold weather as an excuse to stay indoors. A walk in the cold is a great way to help fight depression and raise the body temperature naturally. These help boost your immune system.

Don't forget diet. Even though you might not feel like eating something chilled, your body needs help so eat fresh fruit and vegetables regularly.

Wear a hat. Thirty per cent of the body's heat is lost through the head. Besides, hats are "in" this season, so your physical needs will help you be trend setter as well.

These few tips will help you stay warm, increase the functioning of your immune system, and help you to fight off the respiratory problems that winter can cause. Why not give them a try?

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