The arrival of winter marks the start of the cold and flu season, which can mean more frequent trips to the pharmacy or the emergency room. But don’t fret, there are many ways to keep you and your family healthy during the colder months.

Residents based in Columbia, MD, can drop by Columbia Hickory Pharmacy for their winter health items. Apart from providing basic supplies, the pharmacy also offers diabetes counseling and pharmacy consulting. They can also help with Medicaid and Medicare billing, medication synchronization, and HIV medications.

5 Tips to Stay Healthy This Winter

1. Eat Nutritious Foods

The winter season can tempt you with comfort foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar; eat them in moderation. Your diet should include fruits and vegetables to keep your immune system strong. Stock up on nutrient-rich foods like lemons, kiwi, mandarins, bananas, beetroot, and broccoli.

2. Exercise Regularly

People tend to stay in bed and snuggle up during the cold weather. The best way to beat the winter blues is to stay active and maintain a workout routine. Exercise not only supports your health and well-being, it also burns body fat and calories and keeps them from adding to your waistline.

3. Wash Your Hands Properly

It’s that time of the year where people are susceptible to colds, flu, sore throats, and upper respiratory infections. Viruses are commonly spread through contaminated hands. So, wash your hands properly, especially before eating, to help prevent the spread of illnesses.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Poor or inadequate sleep can have serious effects on your immune system and can cause irritability and stress. A weak immune system makes you more vulnerable to catching colds and other viruses. Try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes at night to get a better quality sleep.

5. Stock Up Your Medicine Cabinet

It’s always good to be prepared; you may feel too weak to go to the pharmacy once you catch a cold. So drop by your local pharmacy and ask for basic over-the-counter meds for coughs, colds, stomach aches, and pains.

Whether you need Ibuprofen or diabetes monitors, the pharmacists at Columbia Hickory Pharmacy can help. For more information, call (410) 964-6409 or visit their website.