Simple wellness tips to stay healthy in the winter
As winter brings cold air, older adults may experience weakened immunity, increased joint pain and a higher risk of illness and accidents. These simple prevention tips can help people stay healthy through the winter.
• Keep warm—dress in layers; keep indoor temperature between 64.4–69.8°F; drink warm water, barley tea, or herbal teas to stay hydrated; engage in light daily movements such as stretching, short walks or chair exercises.
• Prevent seasonal illness— wash hands often; get a flu shot; manage chronic conditions; reduce salt, avoid smoking, limit alcohol and reduce stress; eat nourishing foods and take vitamin D and calcium.
• Prevent slips and falls—wear non-slip socks or indoor shoes; keep bathroom floors dry; avoid slippery areas outdoors; keep hands out of pockets, wear gloves and avoid clothing that restricts movements; use assistive devices if needed.
• Seek immediate medical care for sudden numbness or paralysis, difficulty speaking, vision changes, severe headache, chest pain or trouble breathing, all of which may indicate a stroke or a heart attack.
In traditional eastern medicine, winter is a time to preserve energy, protect the kidneys, and eat foods that warm the body from the inside, such as:
• Oysters, oily fish (mackerel, herring, pollack), beef, eggs, chicken, mushrooms, spinach, nuts (walnuts, pine nuts), chives, garlic, and red beans and bean sprouts.
• Ginger, cinnamon and jujube (red date; note warming properties), which can be enjoyed as tea to boost circulation and metabolism.
—Dr. Yeung H. Kwon, L.Ac, OMD, Ph.D, Optum HCC
