Winter Offers Easy Ways to Stay Healthy
During the winter, bears aren’t the only animals that hibernate. But, unlike bears, humans tend to gain weight during the winter months.
According to Wanda Koszewski, UNL Extension nutrition specialist, there are three things most important in staying healthy during the winter.
Eating healthy can go a long way in staying healthy. Often when people tire, they skip meals or eat high-fat meals. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. To help make meals healthier and liven them up, barley and brown rice can be added to soup. Adding fruits and vegetables to meals can help too. Eating a variety of foods from all food groups and at an appropriate portion size will help get the most nutrient density.
The second thing people can do is exercise. People don’t exercise as much during the winter because it’s cold outside. While the cold weather may put a stop on running or biking, other little things can be done to build up exercise. Walking halls at work or the mall, riding an indoor bike or doing water aerobics all can help. TV show exercises can help motivate as well.
Snow-boarding and skiing also are great for exercise. Cross-country skiing burns up lots of calories, but even going sledding and walking up and down a hill can do a lot.
If someone does choose to exercise outside during the winter, it is important to dress appropriately. Wearing layers and dressing for wind, cold, ice and snow, including wearing breathable fabrics, helps. Also make sure to warm up and cool down and drink plenty of fluids when exercising.
People may not always feel comfortable exercising in public. Some people feel intimidated or uncomfortable when working out around others. During the winter, exercise wherever feels comfortable, but exercise.
The third thing people can do is to get the right amount of sleep. Students start dropping like flies because they’re not sleeping enough or eating well. Students need an average of eight hours of sleep a night. Adults need seven and a half to nine hours of sleep a night on average.
People also can stay healthy by not contracting any illnesses. Washing hands and not sharing food or cups with sick individuals can help keep people from catching colds or the flu.
One thing that further complicates staying healthy is Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as the winter blues. SAD is a mood disorder and can cause depression. A sun lamp can help with the disorder by exposing a person to bright light, employing the same therapeutic effect as sunlight.
If people have any further questions about staying healthy, visit a local health care provider. If depression persists, go see a local doctor ro physician qualified to deal with depression.
