By. Dr .Lauren Penn

1: Stay hydrated

In the wintertime it may be challenging to stay hydrated. We sweat differently in the winter than we do in the summer or warmer weather. We sometimes don’t notice we are losing body heat or may not feel thirsty. Here are several ways to stay hydrated for the winter. Our bodies are 70% water, so it comes as no surprise that we NEED water to stay well and balanced. There are ways to get a good water intake without having to drink gallons of water directly. For instance, we can infuse water with fruit, like berries, lemon/lime or cucumber to add a little flavor. Personally, I am a fan of coconut water, it is best from the source however you can get it in a bottle or can. Another favorite is tea. It has many properties to help us winterize our health by fighting viruses, bacterias, and the common cold to build up our immune systems.

2: Stay active

Our bodies were meant to move, so staying active is not only really important, but also really how we were designed. You can set out to do winter sports activities like skiing, snowboarding or something low-key like snow shoes or just go for a walk. If cold is not your thing, you can do some inside activities such as going to the gym if you have a membership or searching YouTube to find some fun high intensity exercise videos. There are also countless free apps that can give you guidance and workout strategies and regimens to help you get started and keep going. Don’t forget weightlifting, when you are planning your workout. It is great for burning off extra calories.

3: Have a Skincare Regimen

Skin is THE largest organ in our body! So it needs some TLC – especially in the winter months. Chapped skin can cause breaks and crevices that allow unwanted parasites and other organisms to attack our immune system. It is always important to remember that our body (skin) needs to be clean, exfoliated, hydrated and moisturized. This is a foolproof way of making sure your skin is cared for. Taking a shower or bath before bedtime has many benefits. After a shower or bath, use a damp cloth to rid your body of excess water. While the body is still damp, apply moisturizer. I like to do this an hour before bedtime so my linen does not get all oily. It also gives the body time to absorb the moisture and seal in the water from the damp towel.

4: Stock up Your Medicine Cabinet

But not with a bunch of pharmaceutical drugs! One of the main reasons we get sick – in wintertime especially – is because we get parasites. So at the beginning of the season be sure to detox your body as the season changes and include a parasite cleanse. Some other things that are great to have on hand are salves, like Vick’s Vapor Rub. I tell patients to put it on their chest, back and at the bottom of their feet to allow the body to sweat out cold or sickness. I am also a believer in taking vitamins. Vitamin C, D, and minerals such as Iron and magnesium are excellent to help those winter aches and pains. You should also have on hand a good cough syrup. With all the reels on social media going around you can find a recipe that works for you. Garlic and honey is a good combination, onion and honey another. You don’t want to forget the fire cider, the quintessential all-purpose tonic for winter wellness. Finally, its a good idea to make sure as well that you have a good supply of epsom salts or a salt combination.

In closing, just remember that it is easier to STAY well, then to GET well! If you know winter is coming and you always get the flu, pneumonia or a sinus infection, set up an appointment with your healthcare provider and discuss ways you can decrease your chances of getting sick. Winterize your wellness in advance so YOU can stay well during the colder months.