4 Winter Health Problems and How to Avoid Them

The chilly, rainy, blowy winter season is here. It’s also the achy, sneezy, scratchy season! 

As the cold and damp sets in, so too do winter health issues. Coughs, colds, winter flu, stiff joints, dry skin, low immune function - to name a few. 

But it’s not all doom and gloom. A little care and attention to your wellbeing can make all the difference. Read on for some great wellness tips that can make these dull months of the year a little brighter - and healthier! 

 

Coughs and colds

Coughs and colds are hard to avoid in winter. Your chances of being exposed to this common virus are even higher if you work in an office, have kids, or go to any public spaces… which covers most of us!

Cold symptoms usually develop over the space of a few days, and generally include: 

• Blocked or runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Coughing and/or sore chest
• Sore throat 
• Sneezing
• Feeling tired or fatigued
  
  

Supporting your immune system throughout the year can help keep you one step ahead of  winter ills. Focus on eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily - especially vitamin-rich berries, citrus, and leafy greens. There are plenty of these available during winter! Fill your shopping trolley with spinach, kale, broccoli, oranges, frozen blueberries, carrots, and garlic. (If the kids turn their noses up at veges, try “hiding” them in yummy smoothies! Better yet, give them a Radiance Kids Multivitamin gummy every day- they’ll think it’s a treat!)
Be sure to exercise regularly, too. Exercise supports the release of white blood cells, an essential part of healthy immune system function. 

But if you do wind up with a cough or cold, you’ll want relief - fast! Settle that scratchy throat with Strepsils Sore Throat Relief. These great-tasting lozenges help to soothe throat discomfort quickly and effectively. They also contain two antibacterial agents to help you on the road to recovery. Keep a pack handy in your bag or on your desk so that you’re never caught out!

 

Winter flu

When is a cold not a cold? When it’s the flu! The flu is a viral infection that targets the nose, lungs, and throat. Symptoms usually develop much more abruptly than a cold and are much more severe. Winter flu symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Aching joints
• Sore chest, cough
• Headache
• Stuffy nose
• Fatigue and weakness

Like all viral ills, prevention is always better than a cure. Getting a flu jab - along with supporting your immune system year-round - will certainly help to reduce your chances of being struck down by the flu. But if you do find yourself in the throes of this nasty viral infection, there are a few ways to help speed your recovery. First of all - rest up! Go to bed and let your body conserve its strength for fighting the virus. Fever can quickly cause dehydration, so drink plenty of warm fluids such as soup and tea. 

For symptomatic relief, take Codral Day & Night Tablets. Codral is ideal for relief from headaches and fever, nasal congestion and body aches. The night-time formula is specially designed for helping you get some respite from symptoms at night (so you can rest!) while the daytime formula supports your ability to get through the waking hours. 

 

Dry skin 

Winter means spending more time indoors with the heating on, which is a major trigger for dry skin issues. Cold, dry weather can also rob your skin of moisture. If you’ve ever had eczema or other itchy skin conditions, you might notice they get worse in winter. 

First things first: try to avoid getting too close to the heater. Of course, it’s not always possible to escape that warm, stuffy air - especially if you work in an office or school. Wearing natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and merino can also help. You can also support your skin’s moisture levels topically. Cetaphil Intensive Moisturising Cream For Very Dry Skin is recommended by dermatologists and it does everything it says on the label! This deeply hydrating cream is formulated to provide rapid and long-lasting moisture for dry to very dry skin. Totally free from parabens and fragrances, it’s suitable for those with sensitive skin. Use every day to help support the skin's moisture barrier.

 

Stiff joints

Joints can become stiff when the temperatures go down. Why? Well, studies suggest that the cold season can slow blood circulation, leading to muscle and joint stiffness. Wrapping up warmly helps, along with taking hot baths. And yes, regular exercise is also great for getting that blood flowing again. Stick to gentle, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga.

You may have heard that taking glucosamine and chondroitin can help support your joints. Glucosamine is involved in making the cells that form the cartilage and synovial fluid in joints. Chondroitin is also a major component of cartilage. It helps to support joint health by absorbing fluid into the connective tissue. Taking glucosamine and chondroitin together as a daily supplement can be a great way to support joint stiffness throughout the colder months. One of our most popular options is Sanderson Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulphate, which contains mineral cofactors to support absorption in the body. 

While it’s not always possible to completely avoid winter health issues, you can easily reduce the days you spend suffering from them! Looking after your body from the inside out takes good food, physical activity, and a little help from Bargain Chemist. 

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.