Page 5 - elevatewinter2017

WELL-BEING

1. Keep your hands clean. 3. Cover your nose. “Getting the flu shot helps
Wash your hands frequently to get Viruses live longer in cold nostrils, you and your loved ones,” says
rid of germs. And keep them away Dr. dela Cruz says. Keep your Avinesh Bhar, MD, a specialist in
from your eyes, nose and mouth. nostrils warm when you’re outside pulmonology, critical care and sleep
“Germs can live up to 48 hours on by using scarves or other warm medicine with Pulmonology Associates,
surfaces, so even if you clean your winter layers. Navicent Health. “I recommend getting
hands regularly, they could still Protect your nose when you’re your flu vaccine in the fall.”
be carrying germs,” says Timothy inside by using a humidifier. This
Longaker, MD, Medical Director of machine adds moisture to the air and Children younger than 5 and
Urgent Care, Navicent Health. “Avoid helps you breathe easier. adults 65 and older are more likely
getting too close to people who are 4. Eat a healthy diet. than others to have complications
coughing—their coughs can carry “During winter months, eating from the flu. Vaccines can help
their germs to you or the surfaces a diet full of immune-boosting decrease their risk and also reduce
around you. You can help keep nutrients is especially important,” their symptoms.
germs from spreading by turning says Jayesh Patel, MD, family practice
away from people and covering your and geriatric care physician, Navicent GETTING BETTER
mouth when you cough.” Health. “Make meals with foods Even if you’re being careful, it’s still
2. Exercise year-round. containing vitamin C and zinc to help possible to get sick. If you have a
While it’s tempting to work out fight off colds and flus.” cough and runny nose, you probably
only on sunny days, being active You’ll find high levels of vitamin C in have a cold. If this happens, drink
regularly—despite the weather—is foods including oranges, kale, broccoli, plenty of fluids, rest and take over-the-
the key to feeling your best. Exercise Brussels sprouts and strawberries. counter medications as needed. If you
boosts your immune system, and Zinc-rich foods include spinach, cough a lot, run a fever, have chills and
building strong muscles can help kidney beans, flaxseeds, shrimp and feel body aches, you may have the flu.
support joint health. oysters. Probiotics also help support
If you typically exercise outside, try your immune system. Work those into “If you or your child have flu-like
bringing your outdoor routine inside. your diet with ingredients such as symptoms, see your primary care
The right gear is key. Kettlebells, yogurt, miso, green peas, raw cheese doctor or pediatrician, or visit an
resistance bands and jump ropes are and apple cider vinegar. urgent care clinic,” Dr. Longaker
easy to store at home. If you have the 5. Make sleep a priority. says. “We can test you for the flu. We
space, consider picking up a rowing Try not to sleep too much or too also start treating you, giving you a
machine, stationary bike or treadmill little. Adults need seven to nine hours head start on getting better.”
for aerobic exercise. of sleep a night to feel their best.
“Exercising outside on nice winter Teenagers need eight to 10, and school- IF YOU FEEL SICK AND NEED
days can be good for you,” says age children do best when they sleep TO SEE A PROVIDER TODAY,
Rogelio dela Cruz, MD, FAAP, Medical nine to 11 hours. URGENT CARE, NAVICENT
Director of Pediatric Emergency 6. Get the flu shot. HEALTH CAN HELP. VISIT
Center, Navicent Health. “Make sure One of the best things you can do WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG
you dress in water-wicking layers and to stay well during winter is get a AND CHOOSE “INQUICKER
stay hydrated.” flu shot. CHECK-IN” TO FIND AN
URGENT CARE CENTER
NEAR YOU.

ARE WARM WINTERS MAKING YOU SICK?

You know that cold winter weather can make it easier to get sick, but what you may not realize is that unusually warm
winters have an unexpected effect on flu season.

Researchers with Arizona State University found that warmer winters are typically followed by harsher flu seasons.
The exact reason why isn’t clear. But it’s a good reminder—even if the weather is warm, you still have to take care, get
the flu vaccine, and protect yourself and your family from this potentially serious illness.

5WINTER 2017 | navicenthealth.org