by Ticia

Created on: October 29, 2009   Last Updated: November 26, 2009

The winter blues are approaching as we enter the season of colds and flu. As we prepare ourselves for the cold weather, it is important to maintain our health. Most of us have a tendency to hibernate a bit and fall into a lazy pattern forgetting how to stay healthy and avoid getting sick.

Believe it or not, staying healthy and avoiding sickness is very simple by just applying five simple daily steps into your life. When you read through these steps, you can discipline yourself to a happy and healthy lifestyle while minimizing the risk of colds and other sicknesses associated with winter season.

Step 1 - Wash Your Hands Frequently

This habit cannot be emphasized enough, as it is the simplest, single-most important thing you can do for yourself. Everything you touch throughout the day has some germs that could easily get into your system. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or the use of hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 percent alcohol will best cleanse your hands from contagious illnesses.

Step 2 - Get the Flu Shot

Get a flu shot to help protect you from the risk of a respiratory infection that can possibly cause serious complications. This is especially necessary for the elderly, young children, pregnant women or anyone else who may have chronic medical illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, heart, and kidney or lung diseases. The best time to be vaccinated is between the months of September and November.

Step 3 - Eating Healthy

Eating well will give you the balance you need for overall health. Fruits and vegetables are vital yet so many people do not get this message. Only two servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables would benefit the body and prevent disease. Choosing to eat whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat will allow fiber to keep the bowels moving. Fat-free dairy products such as milks, cheeses, and yogurts provide a healthy supply of calcium, while reducing the risk of colon cancer. Poultry without skin, fish, and lean red meats provide a good source of vitamins, iron and protein.

Step 4 - Exercise

You do not need to spend hours at a gym to get a good daily dose of exercise. Thirty minutes a day is all the body needs to produce the health benefits that will prevent the risk of diseases. Exercise will also help improve metabolism while strengthening bones. Walking is still the best exercise, and although it is winter, there are various exercises you can do inside your home like using a treadmill, stairs, or even dancing. Exercise should be done in moderation and does not need to be excessive for the benefits of good overall health.

Step 5 - Sleep

Rest is so important both physically and mentally to your overall health. All 5 steps work together and if you are getting the right nutrients and exercise, you should have the balance to produce a sound mind and body allowing for a good night's sleep. If you can get in a good 8 hours of sleep, you can reduce the daily stresses of life while relaxing all your muscles.

It sounds so simple and the only thing it requires is a willingness to follow the steps for self-control, which is discipline. Changing our lifestyles by living these simple steps will produce overall good health both mentally and physically for the winter and a lifetime.

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