Take
preventive steps against the common cold, flu or depression, and
learn about ways to reduce your stress and boost your energy.
Fighting
a Cold or Flu
The common
cold afflicts about 30 million Americans yearly. And if you don't
take care of yourself, a cold can lead to more serious problems.
Every year
50,000 people die from pneumonia and other problems caused by
a cold or the flu. You can fight off the flu by eating well, getting
plenty of rest and exercise. But flu shots during flu season are
extremely important if you are over 65 or have a long-term illness
like heart problems, lung problems or diabetes.
Fighting
Fatigue, Depression
Fatigue is
the feeling that you're very, very tired. You can help overcome
fatigue by doing the following:
- Have a
more consistent diet. Don't skip breakfast and stay away from
rich, sugary snacks. Eat foods with iron, whole-grain breads and
cereals, and raw fruits and vegetables.
- Get more
exercise. Working out can give you more energy.
- Change
your routine. Try to do something new and interesting every day.
If you already do too much, make time for some peace and quiet.
A common
form of winter depression, called Seasonal Affective Disorder,
is due to deprivation of light, which is caused by the shortened
length of days during the winter months. And Thanksgiving and
Christmas fall in our two darkest months. Here are some ways to
lighten up in the winter:
- Try to
get an hour of outdoor light every day.
- Decorate
rooms with light colors, but avoid stark white.
- Avoid any
diet that severely restricts carbohydrates like breads and pasta,
which increase energy levels. Cut back on fats and calories instead.
- Reduce
stress levels.
Fighting
Stress
The March
Break and holidays are stressful, no doubt about it, but you can
learn to manage your stress. Stress-related disorders, such as
alcoholism, heart disease, ulcers, hypertension and emotional
distress, have become common among Americans. Incorporate these
stress-relievers into your daily life:
- Take long
walks.
- Do breathing
exercises.
- Stretch
often.
- Limit caffeine
intake.
- Take time
to relax.
- Avoid drugs
and alcohol.
