Winter Wisdom

Staying healthy in summer can be a breeze. Warm weather, long summer days and an endless number of outdoor activities all contribute to your overall good health. The winter months, on the other hand, can pose unique challenges to your health—holiday temptations, and in many parts of the country, fewer hours of daylight, colder weather, and a greater number of viruses and bacteria floating around.

Here are some tips to keep you healthy this winter:

Wash your hands—A LOT!
Washing your hands is the number one way to prevent spreading germs. Wash your hands with soap for 10 to 20 seconds before and after eating and after touching things others have touched, including phones and computer keyboards.

Protect your immune system.
There are some basic things you can do to boost your immune system, including getting a good amount of sleep, maintaining daily physical activity, and following a diet of natural unprocessed food, including vegetables, whole grains and limited simple sugars.

Develop an exercise plan.
It’s more difficult to motivate yourself to exercise during the winter months. Try finding an exercise partner to help motivate and accompany you in your exercise routine. If the weather keeps you from exercising outdoors, check out a local gym or fitness center.

Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of water. Most people think during the summer heat is the only time to worry about staying hydrated, but winter hydration is equally important. Proper hydration helps keep your mucous membranes (such as those in your sinuses) in good shape and more resistant to bacteria.

Eat small, frequent healthy meals.
Decrease your susceptibility to cravings for sweets and carbohydrates during the holiday season by keeping your blood-sugar stable. To do this, eat small, regular meals that are high in protein, relatively low in sugar and fat, but relatively high in complex carbohydrates. And whatever you do, try to avoid food with trans fat!

This e-newsletter is the fourth of a series designed to help you make the most of The Benefits of Nielsen. Each issue will provide tips and information related to a central theme that will help you use your benefits to Live Well. Click through each section for help managing your health, your health plan and your future.

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