Top 10 wellness tips for winter

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

18 June 2013

Top 10 wellness tips for winter

The winter season is almost upon us, and now is a good time to start thinking about how you can keep yourself and family healthy this winter. Auckland Regional Public Health Service’s top ten wellness tips for winter aim to help you spend your time doing the things you enjoy, instead of staying at home and feeling unwell. 

1. Flu vaccination

Everyone will be better off if they have the flu vaccine as it will help stop the spread of flu.  You can talk to your doctor about the influenza vaccination which is offered between March and July and might even be free for you!  For more information visit www.fightflu.co.nz and www.immune.org.nz.

2.      Washing hands

Winter illnesses are easily spread by our hands. So remember to wash your hands regularly and correctly, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food.  Don’t forget to wash both sides of the hands and between the fingers for at least 20 seconds, use soap and dry completely with a paper towel or clean dry towel when finished. For more information view our factsheet.

3.      Exercise daily

Just a 30 minute walk outside each day gives you some fresh air and really helps your body get stronger to fight off those winter colds and flu. 

4.      Eat healthy

Eating a healthy diet really helps build your immune system and keeps you feeling and looking well.  Make healthy choices by enjoying a good selection of fresh vegetables with some lean protein and try to reduce sugar and salt in your diet.  If you are interested in healthy food ideas you can visit www.healthed.govt.nz/health-topic/healthy-eating

5.      Fresh air in your home

Open windows during the day even for a short time and then close them before the sun goes down or before you turn on the heating.  Making sure your home is well aired helps keep your home dry and your family well.

6.      Dampness

A simple little tip like keeping the bathroom door closed when showering or bathing can lessen dampness settling around the house.  Too much dampness allows mould and mildew to grow and can lead to respiratory illness.

7.      Dehumidify

If possible use a dehumidifier in your home it can help keep your home dry, especially if there is a lot of moisture or dampness.

8.      Coughs and sneezing

If you are coughing or sneezing then you may be spreading bugs, and the best way to avoid this is to stay away from work or school.  Also make sure you don’t cough and sneeze around babies and small children due to their developing immune systems as they can get sick very easily.

9.      Quit Smoking

If you do smoke, then smoke outside and away from enclosed spaces and never smoke around children.  If you do want to stop smoking, don’t do this alone instead visit www.quit.org.nz for support and help to quit today.

10.  Health advice only a phone call away

If you or your child is feeling unwell you can get free health advice from trained registered nurses by phoning Health Line a 24 hour 7 day a week service on 0800 611 116.  Discussing what can seem like a small health issue early, can help from getting worse or becoming a bigger problem in the future. 

ENDS

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