10 Health & Wellness Tips For The Winter Months…

Posted on February 17, 2015 by J. Chad Pendley under Health & Wellness
2 Comments

 

Winter Blues

This may seem a little “grim” coming from the funeral director but here at the funeral home we encourage Health & Wellness to our families… especially in the winter months.  Suffering a loss, dealing with grief or really just basic emotions can effect our wellness during these cold, dark and dreary days that we are in, so we have developed 10 tips for better living!  This is really applicable to all of us during this time of season, loss or not just surviving the days ahead can be a task!

One question that we get asked a lot is if there is a “busy season” here at the funeral home, and believe it or not… the winter months are historically our “busy” months.  The families that we see can almost double during the winter and the weather has a lot to do with it!  Cold and dark days can bring sickness and even depression so we encourage everyone to pick out some of the ideas listed to keep your body and mind healthy and not suffer from the “Winter Blues”.

  1. Wash your hands.

    It goes without being said but the amount of bacteria that floats around is unbelievable!  Even in the strangest places you are susceptible to receiving bacteria and getting sick so always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

  2. Get fresh air.

    During the cold months it becomes very easy to stay put inside of the house or in your workplace, but studies have shown that getting a dose of fresh air a few times a day is good for the body.

  3. Exercise.

    The item on the list that most will keep scrolling over!  We have to remember that it is very easy to become stale and un-mobile when its cold outside.  Many people become logs on the couch and your body is not receiving enough stimulation making your body weak and more importantly your immune system weak.  Its a good idea to try to get your heart rate up a little everyday!

  4. Get adequate amount of sleep.

    Another problem that we all face when we are suffering the “Winter Blues” and we succumb to a winter coma from staying in and laying around all day.  This is hard on our sleep cycle and it can easily be thrown off… where those late nights get later and we are not getting enough sleep at night.  Our bodies require a certain amount of down time to be rested so we are strong enough to fight off any sickness or infections.  The right amount a sleep also does wonders for our mental capabilities.

  5. Fruits and Vegetables.

    Iron, zinc and vitamin C are also key to a healthy immune system. But before going to buy supplements make sure you are eating healthy.  Look for dark, leafy greens and red and yellow vegetables, which are all high in antioxidants and packed full of nutrients.

  6. Do not over eat.

    When talking about our diet the most important thing to remember is not to over do it!  Its easy to be locked in the warm house with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s and knocking out bags of Cheetos but unfortunately this has not been proven healthy!  A “Food Coma” could induce a lack of everything mentioned in this list!

  7. Stay hydrated.

    Drink 6 – 8 glasses of water a day.  A well hydrated body has been proven to be healthier and it can keep your body less susceptible to sickness.

  8. Protect your skin.

    Cold air and cold wind will quickly dry out your skin.  Being cold and heating your body back up, and back and forth, can deplete the moisture and nutrients from your skin so it is recommended to stay well moisturized during the cold months.

  9. Remember to take your medicine.

    Unfortunately this happens to a lot of us when we are suffering the “Winter Blues”.  It is important to make sure you are taking the right medicine at the right time, there are many ways of creating lists or even phone apps that will remind you of this.

  10. Help others.

    A healthy body is nothing without a healthy soul!  Helping a neighbor or people either through a local church or organization will bring you comfort and help supply you with the motivation to get out of the house!  It is important and healthy to re-invest your down time during the short winter days into a way that could bring help to others.

Who knows… maybe doing a few of these steps might keep you from visiting your local funeral home!

 

J. Chad Pendley

Chad is a licensed professional and is a native of Cobb County, growing up in Powder Springs and currently living in Marietta Ga. After graduating from McEachern High School Chad attended Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service and graduated as a Master Artist of the Pi Sigma Eta Honorary Mortician Fraternity. He was the recipient of the Bill Pierce award and Daniel E. Buchanan award, recognizing him as a leader in the funeral profession. A member of the Marietta Metro Rotary and different organizations in his profession, Chad also participates in monthly activities promoting the funeral home and networking with other professionals in the area. He is a member and attends Westridge Church in Dallas Ga. He is married to Kristin and as a proud father, Chad enjoys the time he gets to spend with his family and that usually revolves around the softball fields. He has a gift of developing a warm, helpful, and strong relationship with the families he serves and is a valuable source of knowledge at Mayes Ward Dobbins.

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