How can you keep healthy and avoid seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the
cold winter months when everyone seems to have the flu and a diet of healthy
salads, rich in vitamins and minerals, doesn't seem so appealing? Here are ten
winter health tips which will help to get you through to spring in good shape.

Regards
Kieran
http://www.kentmasseur.co.uk

1. Eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Hearty home-made
vegetable soups are great for cold days. This not only provides vitamins that
aid the immune system, but these foods are also rich in anti-oxidants,
substances known to counteract the effect on the body of free radicals (this may
help to prevent some cancers). A daily vitamin and mineral supplement is a good
idea, but it's no substitute for those obtained in fresh foods.

2. Watch that you don't gain extra pounds due to overeating the wrong foods.
Comfort foods in moderation are fine, but in winter it is tempting to over
indulge. If you need to lose weight, choose a well balanced diet such as Weight
Watchers, rather than a fad diet.

3. Have an exercise routine - don't turn into a couch potato just because the
temperature drops a few degrees. Put on your thermals and get out there - or
alternatively take up an indoor sport or active hobby such as dancing. If you
really can't get out, open the windows each day to freshen the air.

4. Get plenty of rest. Getting overtired can deplete your immune system leaving
you open to infections. If you are having difficulty sleeping, look for herbal
sleep remedies.

5. Prevention is better than cure so ask your GP about getting a flu shot - they
are not just for the elderly. Influenza is debilitating viral illness for the
healthiest of us. Thousands of work hours are lost annually due to influenza.
Don't wait for the flu season to start before vaccination; go towards the end of
autumn. Flu shots do not prevent colds as these are caused by a different virus.

6. If you catch a common cold take a zinc, vitamin C and echinacea preparation
to help reduce the duration of symptoms. Cold & flu preparations are available
from pharmacists to reduce runny noses and fevers. Discard used tissues directly
into a bin to prevent spreading the virus to other family members (it is spread
in droplets).

7. Don't demand or take antibiotics for a cold or flu - these illnesses are
caused by viruses and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are only
used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Unnecessary prescriptions of
antibiotics contribute to the deadly antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria
that we hear so much about. (It should be noted that antibiotics may be
appropriate to prevent secondary bacterial infections in some people e.g. the
very young or elderly).

8. Don't hide away because it is winter, especially if you don't socialize by
going out to work. At first it may not seem like a big deal, but it can become
isolating and contribute to feelings of depression.

9. Beat the winter blues. According to The National Organization for Seasonal
Affective Disorder (NOSAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of winter
depression which affects millions of people every winter, especially during
December, January and February. If you think that you may suffer from SAD
(seasonal affective disorder), try to get out in the daylight for a while each
day. If possible get some winter sun. Alternatively you might consider light box
therapy.

10. Look forward to spring. Plan a new you, new goals and some enjoyable
activities to look forward to.

NB. Before taking any supplements or medications, check with your doctor or
pharmacist if you are pregnant or intend getting pregnant, have a medical
condition or already take any form of medication.