With the temperature dropping outside and rising inside, cold season is upon us. How about a few pointers for how to stay healthy during this cold season?

Stay Warm

Be sure to dress for the weather. Keep up with the local weather and dress appropriately. Layer your clothing so you can keep warm when outside and can remove layers when inside. Make sure to include a waterproof layer to protect yourself from rain or frozen precipitation. Include a hat, gloves, and a scarf to keep warm and dry. Also, make sure you wear warm socks to protect your feet.

Keep Clean

One of the easiest ways you can avoid getting sick is by keeping clean. Make sure to wash your hands often. Use soap and clean, warm water. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and scrub between your fingers and the backs of your hands.

Eat Healthy

Make sure you eat healthy when it's cold outside. Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Watch what you eat and try to limit your portion sizes. Keep an eye on your salt, fat, and sugar intake.

Practice Healthy Cooking Habits

When cooking, follow healthy habits like washing your hands and the surfaces where you prepare your food. Be sure to avoid cross-contamination by keeping your cooked and raw foods away from each other. Use a thermometer to cook your foods to the correct temperature. Any leftovers need to be put into the refrigerator right away.

Keep Active

Find time in your busy schedule to move your body for about half an hour a day. Go for a walk, ride a bike, or go dancing.

Medications and Doctor Appointments

Keep up with your medications during the cold weather. Missing doses can affect your health. If you have any doctor appointments, make sure to keep them and tell your doctor about any symptoms you may be experiencing right away so they can help you to be healthy again.

Stressed Out?

Did you know your stress level can affect your health? Take extra time for yourself at the holidays. Try meditation, a long walk, or even a nice hot bath.

Avoid Smoke

Try to avoid smoking or spending time around those who smoke. If you do smoke, try quitting or at least cutting back.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Water is the best, but tea and coffee are fine. Try to avoid sugary beverages like soft drinks and juices as they can add unwanted calories.

Supplements

Many people take supplements to help keep them healthy. A daily multivitamin is a wonderful choice. This can help you get the vitamins and minerals you need. Other supplements may help as well. Check with your healthcare provider to see what makes sense for you. During cold season, you may want to boost your immunity, but make sure any supplements you take do not interact adversely with any medications you take.

What If You Do Get Sick?

Even the most diligent people can still get sick. If you do, get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Treat your symptoms as best you can. See a doctor if necessary, especially if you find yourself having difficulty breathing.

A Few Ideas

Here are some ideas to help you feel better or to help boost your immune system during cold season.

Emperor Ying's 'Feel Better' Herbal Tea - Emperor Ying's is a caffeine-free herbal tea high in vitamin C and filled with other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Minty and refreshing, this tea is good for just about anything that ails you.

Immunity Boost - Our Monin Immunity Boost is an all-natural way to add the benefits of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy botanicals to your diet. Just two pumps added to your favorite tea, lemonade, juice, or even your water gives you the equivalent of 5 oranges worth of vitamin C. In addition to vitamin C this syrup has vitamin D, elderberry, echinacea, and zinc.

Hot Toddy - You could make a hot toddy from scratch or you could enjoy a pot of our Hot Toddy Flavored coffee. Flavors of cinnamon, liqueur, and citrus blend together to make you feel better. If you prefer to make your own:

INGREDIENTS

1 oz bourbon (or dark rum)
2 tsp lemon juice, fresh squeezed
1 Tsp honey (local is best)
1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
1/4 cup hot water, hot tea, or hot coffee
lemon slice

DIRECTIONS

Add the lemon juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar to your cup. Add the hot water, hot tea, or hot coffee and stir until honey is dissolved. Add the bourbon and garnish with a slice of lemon.