Although it’s true that the colder months are known as cold and flu season, and you’re more likely to find yourself in the pharmacy looking for relief during this season, it doesn't have to be this way. With a few simple preventive measures, you can experience a healthy winter. Below are some tips to help get you started.

4 Ways to Stay Healthy in the Winter 

1. Wash Your Hands

Good hygiene is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. If you touch a surface that has been contaminated with cold or flu viruses, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you have an increased chance of getting sick. Regular hand washing can reduce your risk of getting sick by as much as 58%. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs. 

2. Take Care of Yourself

Not eating right, or getting little sleep and exercise, can make you susceptible to getting sick. When you get enough sleep, your body produces adequate amounts of cytokines—proteins that support your immune system. Exercising helps increase illness-fighting white blood cells, and eating plenty of vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits can also support your immune system against viruses. You may also want to pick up a multivitamin with vitamin C and zinc at the pharmacy, as they can help ward off illness.  

3. Get a Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that both children and adults get a flu shot every year. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, visit your doctor or local pharmacy for the vaccine. It only takes a few minutes, and you’re less likely to contract the flu, since the vaccine protects your body against the illness. 

4. Drink Green Tea

You might think tea is best reserved for when you’re sick; however, studies show that it’s actually good for preventing illnesses as well. Drinking a cup or two of green tea each day provides plenty of antioxidants, which support your immune system as well as cardiovascular health. 

If you want to stay healthy this winter and haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, head to Columbia Hickory Pharmacy in Columbia, MD, to get one and everything else you need to stay healthy this winter. This respected pharmacy belongs to the CARE Pharmacies Cooperative Inc., network and the Maryland Pharmacists Association. To learn more about their products and services, call (410) 964-6409 or visit them online.