by Clint Daniel

Created on: November 02, 2009   Last Updated: November 26, 2009

5 Things to Protect Yourself From Winter Diseases

Well, winter's almost here, and what always comes to mind when thinking about the frigid season? Sickness is an ever-present worry when considering the snow-laden time of year. Many things around us try to break down our immune system, but if you take the proper precautions, you'll stay fit and healthy through the dreary downpour of disease. To beat your enemy, you first have to understand it.

There are many sicknesses and germs floating through the air, but the most annoying and inconvenient are the cold, flu, and H1N1 viruses (the last is relatively new). A plethora of symptoms descend upon you when you become infected. A few of the shared indications of the infections include coughing, sweating, fever, vomiting, tiredness, and headache. These all equal a horrible week of recovery, but they rely on a weakened immune system to thrive in your body.

Many factors aid in the weakening of your immune system, and each one is a close friend to the cold, flu and H1N1 viruses. Everyone deals with stresses in their lives. It is one thing that we all have to cope with, making us grow tired and irritable, but they also have adverse effects on your immune system, putting it in a weakened state.

Another reason our immune systems fail is a lack of exercise, resulting in a decreased metabolism and immunity. A chronic illness that strikes some people during the winter season is S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder), resulting in a temporary bought of depression, and this throws off the body's chemicals, weakening the immunity as well. Certain measures can be taken to either prevent a struggling immune system or help one already in trouble.

Only five things are essential to staying healthy through winter. A good diet is a main factor to a strong immune system, but this doesn't mean an all-natural food diet. A healthy diet's components are rather simple, combining proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats, dairy, and roughage (vegetables). Now you many say, "Is it really that simple?" and the reply is yes, a healthy diet is only as hard as you make it.

Another healthy habit to gain is to recognize things that stress you and walk away from them. A short walk on a nice day is surprisingly helpful to dull down the daily stresses of life. This simple relaxation technique will also aid in gaining sunlight and vitamin D, another factor that will strengthen your immunity.

Introducing exercise into your daily routine will not only make you a happier, more fit person, but it will also raise your immunity and metabolism. Last but certainly not least, a daily regimen of vitamin C is another must that will help you stay healthy through this winter, using your favorite vitamin supplement. Just keep these things in mind and you'll survive this winter healthy and disease free.

Even with winter knocking at your door, you'll be able to last through the season unscathed. The cold, flu, and H1N1 viruses lurk behind every corner, waiting for a drop in the immune system, and small changes in your life provide those drops. It takes only five small changes to your daily routine to stay safe, and keep the viruses at bay. Even the harsh bite of winter won't be able to hold you back if you practice them all.

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