Changing Weather Brings Changes
November 15, 2016
As the weather changes, Texas MedClinic typically starts to see different illnesses. For what appears to literally blow in, our physicians shared tips to help the community avoid cold weather-related illnesses this time of year. Physicians at Texas MedClinic urge prevention as the best way to protect against the variety of illnesses passed around throughout the holiday season. Doctors at Texas MedClinic remind patients to continue routine hygiene practices, to wipe down germs and dust, to practice self-care with mild illness and to visit a clinic as soon as symptoms become moderately uncomfortable to prevent severe illness.
Cooler weather can encourage viruses to grow and the temperature change can allow germs to easily infect humans, especially children, the elderly, and those affected by chronic illnesses. Texas MedClinic recommends practicing tips for well-being year around but especially as the temperature drops.
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), or the common cold, are just one of many in-season illnesses. It is a viral and air-borne disease, meaning it can easily be transferred among humans. Other winter season diseases include influenza, pneumonia, measles, chickenpox, and diarrhea. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “worldwide, these annual epidemics result in about three to five million cases of severe illness, and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths. Most deaths associated with influenza in industrialized countries occur among people age 65 or older.
Below is a list of tips to encourage good health this time of year. After all, who wants to be sick over Thanksgiving dinner with a table of friends and family members gathered around?
Wear weather-appropriate clothes. Wear layered clothes or jackets to protect them from the cold.
Eat a healthy diet. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and nuts for fiber and protein. Hot soups like chicken soup or chowder help warm the body and fight diseases. A well-balanced diet will help keep your body healthy and fight infection.
Take vitamins. Intake of vitamins and antioxidants help strengthen the body and ward off winter diseases.
Get sweaty, exercise daily, and drink plenty of water. Exercising helps warm the body and fight the cold weather. Drink lots of water to replenish the body’s lost liquid.
Maintain a healthy hygiene and keep the surroundings clean. Avoid cross contamination by cleaning and sanitizing common touch-points. Use safe but effective cleaning and sanitizing products.
Avoid sharing utensils. Even with really cute, but snotty nosed kids!
And, if you think you need us please come in and visit with one of our physicians, that’s what we’re here for.
