The holidays should be a time of fun with friends and family. But with seasonal colds and flus, plus the annual spike in accidents over the holidays, what can a person do to stay healthy throughout the winter? Here is a list of essentials to purchase that will help you ward off colds and take care of cuts and bruises as you head into the last month of the year.
First aid supplies
Parties and family celebrations, aside from being fun, are unfortunately a prime time for accidents. Falls while decorating the house are annually high on the list, according to the CDC. And in 2015, hoverboards—a popular Christmas gift—landed many kids in the emergency room. The first line of defense in keeping your family safe is having first aid supplies in your house. Having a fully stocked first aid kit within reach will allow you to immediately tend to injuries when they occur. And could even prevent a small injury from worsening and requiring a trip to the emergency room.
Herb teas
When the days turn cold and you have no work the next day, it might seem natural to pour yourself a glass of wine to help you unwind. Mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate, the list goes on and on of the hot drinks that are served with a splash of alcohol to boost the spirits. But is that really what your body needs when you are craving something warm to drink?
Drinks with alcoholic content can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get sick. Which is a reason why so many seem to catch colds during the winter. Cocktails and other spiked drinks are often also high in sugar content, which is another immune suppressing agent. So what is a good alternative? Stock up on herbal teas. Herbal teas can provide you with that same soothing drink that you are looking for while also being beneficial for you in many ways. For example, peppermint tea is said to be good for heartburn and digestive problems. And chamomile tea is said to be good as a skincare treatment, causing your skin to appear less dry. Having an alternative to a glass of wine will keep you from drinking every night and give you time to detox between parties where alcohol is served.
Lemon and ginger
If sugar and alcohol–two mainstays of all holiday spreads–lower the immune system, then what bolsters it? Vitamin C. Where to find an easy source of Vitamin C? Lemons. You can drink it down as a hot cup of lemon tea, or use it to garnish fish, salad, or other dishes.
For an even healthier kick, buy ginger and add it to your lemon tea. Ginger is said to ease symptoms of nausea, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. It’s also a cold remedy, helping to ease a sore throat. So if you are feeling down and need a pick me up, you might be surprised at how much better you feel after drinking this all natural brew.
Chicken soup
There is a reason your mother always insisted on chicken soup as a remedy for when you have a cold. But did you know some studies also proclaim that it can help prevent catching a cold, too? Broth brewed from chicken bones are said to boost the function of the tiny hairs your nose, which prevents viruses from getting into your body. And if you already have a cold, it helps by increasing the movement of mucus and other upper respiratory benefits.
What should your chicken soup contain? Start with chicken on bone and include onions, garlic, carrots, as well as any other vegetables you favor. As far as anyone can tell, it is the combination of all the elements that result in this health boosting soup.
Stocking these various items will give you the ammunition you need to tend to cuts and burns and keep that dreaded winter cold at bay. Allowing you to thoroughly enjoy what should be a merry time of year.