Winter Health Tips to Prevent Illness
1. Regular Ventilation
In winter, windows and doors are often closed, leading to excessive temperature differences between indoors and outdoors. High indoor temperatures and relatively low humidity can cause poor air circulation, making it easier for some pathogens and viruses to invade the body. Therefore, even in cold winter, it is necessary to regularly open windows for ventilation to improve air circulation and increase indoor humidity.
2. Maintain Outdoor Activities
The respiratory tract, without prolonged exposure to external air stimuli, cannot adapt to cold conditions. After contact with someone with a cold, due to poor resistance to pathogens, one is prone to illness. Therefore, it is important to persist in outdoor activities. When the weather is cold, choose to be active in nature for half an hour to an hour during sunny and calm periods. This can enhance physical fitness.
3. Balanced Diet
A balanced diet can improve the body's disease resistance. Therefore, during winter, it is beneficial to consume nutrient-rich and vitamin-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, eggs, soy products, and fresh vegetables. Remember to have breakfast, as a complete breakfast serves as a good barrier during the transition from a warm indoor environment to the cold outdoors.
4. Proper Daily Routine
Colds are caused by viruses, with over 200 types reported to cause the illness. To avoid viral impacts, attention should be paid to balancing work, rest, and diet. Overexertion, insufficient sleep, and excessive stress can all reduce immunity, giving viruses an opportunity. Researchers have found that during sleep, bacteria in the body produce a substance called "cell wall acid," which enhances immunity and accelerates recovery from colds and other viral illnesses.
5. Frequent Handwashing
Colds are contagious. When touching objects contaminated with viruses, they can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Inhaling viruses expelled by coughing can also lead to infection. Therefore, it is essential to develop the habit of washing hands with soap.
6. Hot Water Foot Bath
Soaking feet in hot water for 15 minutes every night (not too hot to endure) can not only prevent colds but also alleviate fatigue after a day's work. Ensure the water covers the feet but does not exceed the ankle. A redder foot indicates a more effective soak.
7. Maintaining Distance from the Sick
When a patient coughs or sneezes, saliva containing viruses can splatter up to a meter away. Immediately step back when noticing someone about to sneeze or cough, especially in confined spaces like elevators or buses, where turning away can minimize exposure through the eyes and nose.
8. Drinking Salt Water During the Day and Honey Water at Night
Cold weather can dry out cheeks and lips. People with colds often feel thirsty. While it's good to hydrate, blindly drinking only plain water may not alleviate symptoms and can exacerbate dehydration, hindering recovery. An ancient Chinese remedy advises drinking salt water in the morning and honey water at night. Adding a pinch of salt to boiling water helps retain fluids, while honey water at night nourishes and prevents constipation caused by dryness.
9. Nasal Irrigation
Western medicine suggests that during colds or exposure to rain, which reduce the frequency of ciliary movement in the respiratory tract, nasal mucus and adhering viruses, bacteria, and fungi stay longer in the nasal cavity, allowing viruses to proliferate and invade the body. Regularly rinsing the nasal cavity with saline during a cold can wash away viruses with no side effects. Regular morning and evening rinses significantly reduce the risk of colds.
10. Rubbing Hands
Rubbing hands is a convenient and simple activity suitable for office workers during brief breaks. The base of the thumb (medically known as the thenar eminence) is muscle-rich and prominent when the palm is extended, covering a large area. The thenar eminence is closely related to respiratory organs. Regular rubbing can improve immunity against colds. Rub until the area becomes warm, like rubbing peanut skins between palms. Alternate hands, rubbing in opposite directions for about one to two minutes until the entire palm feels warm. This promotes blood circulation and metabolism, enhancing overall health and resistance to colds. Additionally, massaging the nasal grooves
