During the cooler months, we are more likely to suffer from infections and ill health.
But don’t let that spoil your enjoyment of more pleasant weather and the break from high summer temperatures.
Follow our tips to keep healthy this autumn and winter so you can live life to the full, whatever the season.
Keep moving
There are lots of good reasons to keep up with an exercise routine, especially in autumn and winter.
Physical activity will help boost your immune system, keep your weight down, enhance your mood and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
If you’re not used to exercising, then consult your doctor for advice. If you’re given the go-ahead, you can start with a gentle activity like yoga, walking, swimming or tai chi.
Once you’re in a routine, try to be active most days. Over the course of a week, you should aim for 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate exercise to keep you healthy.
And if you find it hard to get motivated, why not enlist a friend or family member to be your “gym buddy”? Exercising with someone else will help inspire you to keep on track.
Eat healthily
A great way to stay healthy in winter is to eat a wide range of nutritious foods. You can include:
- Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids to help boost your mood and immunity. These include oily fish like salmon, walnuts and flax seeds
- A variety of fruit and vegetables to get your fix of vitamins and minerals. Try capsicums, tomatoes and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower to get your vitamin C hit
- Oatmeal for a healthy breakfast. It’s packed with fibre, will keep you feeling full for longer and can also help to lower cholesterol
And while it’s tempting to reach for sugary, comforting snacks when the weather draws in, try to avoid them. Instead, opt for dried fruits to give you a quick energy boost when you’re flagging.
Don’t forget your vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential to your health and wellbeing — it helps keep your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy and aids your immune system too.
You can get this life-enhancing vitamin from certain foods like salmon, tuna, eggs and mushrooms. Your body will also produce it when exposed to sunlight.
But in winter especially, it can be hard to get out in the sunshine to ensure adequate supplies.
For this reason, you may want to take a vitamin D supplement to help keep levels up. Talk to your doctor about getting a test to check your vitamin D level and the right dosage for you.
Avoid infections
We are all more vulnerable to infections, like coughs, colds, flu, and Covid-19 over the colder months.
But there are a lot of things you can do to avoid infections the best you can.
One of the most effective ways of staying clear of infections is to get your vaccinations.
If six months have passed since your last Covid-19 vaccination or infection, you can get a booster. Find out where to go for your vaccination here.
You may also be eligible for a flu vaccine — it’s recommended for certain groups, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 6 months
- Children from 6 months to 5 years
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 and over
- People aged 6 months and over with certain medical conditions, including cardiac disease, diabetes, blood disorders
Your doctor will be able to advise you about getting a flu vaccine or find out more about getting vaccinated here.
Of course, you can’t completely avoid coming into contact with infections. But if you’re careful about hygiene, you should be able to reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading infection. Here’s what you can do:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time
- Use sanitiser in between handwashing to keep your hands germ-free
- Wear a facemask if you go to crowded places
- If you cough or sneeze, try to catch it in a tissue or the inside of your elbow
If you develop symptoms of infections like Covid-19, such as a high temperature, a congested or runny nose, sore throat or cough, isolate at home and do a test. Mild Covid symptoms can be treated at home, but consult your doctor if you are worried about your health.
Get proactive about your wellbeing this autumn and winter
If you’re proactive about your wellbeing, then keeping healthy during winter months should be easy and enjoyable.
Here at Fevermates, we’re here to help you stay safe and in great shape over the cooler months.
Check out our range of health-related products and get stocked up ahead of the changing weather — you’ll find lots of useful items like hand sanitiser, face masks and thermometers in our online shop.
Then go out and enjoy the cooler season — come rain or shine!