Monday, December 1, 2008

Top Health Tips: Your Guide to Feeling Fab this Winter

By Andrew Mitchell

When that northern gust threatens to sweep us off our feet, and when half our colleagues are on sick leave to the flu, we know it can only mean one thing: winter is approaching.

Winter has a way of getting to us with all the nasty that it brings with it: exhaustion, cold, illness, depression not exactly something to look forward to. In order to counter that, we have scavenged the globe for the most useful tips on how to prevent those coughs and sniffles this winter, ranging from dietary tips to advice on how to spend your free time. Here are some words of wisdom from some of our most valued experts:

Your Nutritionist says: Carbs, carbs, carbs! Forget Atkins and all these low-carb diets - your body needs carbohydrates in order to produce the energy you need to keep warm in the winter. Of course, eat in moderation: the key to a healthy body is to eat quality food (whole foods, starch, veggies, and protein) in the right quantities.

Your GP says: Build up your defences in as many ways as you can. One of the ways you can do this is by getting the flu jab. Modern medicine is a wonderful way of tacking long-existing illnesses. Other ways to boost your immune system are to take vitamin tablets and to get plenty of rest. A few extra hours of sleep a night will also increase your chances of staying healthy, doing miracles for your mind as well as your body. Also get some extra nutrients in addition to your daily meals, such as Zinc, Iron, and Vitamin C, will help strengthen your defences against the inevitable flues and sniffles that come knocking at your door at this time of year.

Your Osteopath says: Don't just treat the symptoms of a disease - treat the root cause of it. Various forms of muscularskeletal manipulation tackle illnesses straight at the source. Ancient Asian practice such as acupuncture and acupuncture are excellent examples of such practices, as they help channel the energy that is stored in the body and create a sense of internal balance. A deep-tissue skin massage is also a great way to keep your body in good shape. It will loosen your stiff muscles and joints and stimulate blood flow in a healthy manner. Go on; treat your external problems from within.

Your Psychologist says: Relax. Take a break from your daily stresses and go on holiday to Spain or the French Alps this winter - anywhere that is tranquil, sunny, and offers the opportunity to get some exercise. Many people suffer from seasonal depression at this time of year, which is largely due to the absence of sunlight. You won't believe how much sunlight influences your physical and emotional wellbeing, so make sure you get plenty this winter.

These expert perspectives should be enough to keep you healthy in every possible way this winter season: physically, mentally, and emotionally. So beat down the problem before it gets you down - eat that well-balanced meal, take some vitamin pills, get a deep-tissue massage and plan that holiday for mid-January. We all have our own ways of ploughing through another long winter, but hopefully, armed with these bits of advice, you are well on your way to emerging from that bitter cold unscathed, whole, and happy. - 16650

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