Sunday, November 23, 2008

7 Steps to a Healthier Winter by Lisa Copen


Winter is a time of many colds, infections, the flu and more. With a few tips you can avoid getting sick as frequently.

[1] How do you avoid a cold? Keep your hands away from your face and wash them often. Avoid people with colds, and ask your doctor if vitamin C may be helpful and safe for you.

[2] Although depression can easily be assumed to be a result of your chronic illness, you could be someone who has Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you find yourself blue between October and March, it may be because of the lack of sunlight, which can be a natural antidepressant. Ask your doctor.

[3] Feeling stressed about the holidays? Before reaching for that piece of pumpkin pie, grab a banana. Foods that are natural stress fighters include orange juice, yogurt, low caffeine intake, carbohydrates instead of sugar, and lots of water!

[4] Need a boost of energy? Here are some ideas that are recommended by health professionals. (a) Get out into the daylight at least thirty minutes a day, or at least pen up those blinds. (b) Exercise when possible, but never exercise when you have a temperature of 99.5 degrees F or above. (c) Eat vegetables! B-vitamins, found in whole grains, green vegetables, potatoes, and beans, keep your immune system primed and stave off winter bugs. They also help produce neurotransmitters in the brain, which moderate your moods. When your vitamin B supply is off-kilter, you're more likely to feel depressed, stressed, anxious, and cranky. (d) Make personal time for yourself. Splurge on a new journal or some new pjs to get you through the winter months.

[5] There are over 200 viruses that cause the common cold. Before cold season hits, talk with your doctor about what is "normal" and "not normal" for someone with your illness-make a "cold plan." This way if you get a cold, you will know how soon to call your doctor and what over the counter medications you can safely take. Talk to your doctor now about whether a flu shot would be recommended.

[6] Chapped lips bothering you? The Mayo Clinic recommends applying a moisturizer to your lips daily or as needed. You can use a lip balm or skin moisturizer. Generally, the greasier the products, the better. If all else fails, a humidifier in your home may help.

[7] Recent research has proven what we've known all along! Those who are more committed to their religious or spiritual beliefs, practice them frequently, and rely on them in their everyday lives receive significant mental and physical health benefits as a result!
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19 ways to burn calories in 15 minutes!
Watching TV=16 caloriesPassenger in car=16 calories(50+ if your teen is driving)Kneeling in prayer=16 caloriesTaking a bath=24 caloriesTalking on phone=24 caloriesFamily picnic (without arguing)=24 caloriesComputer work=24 caloriesPumping gas=32 caloriesMaking Beds=32 caloriesGrocery shopping=37 caloriesDusting=40 caloriesClearing dishes from table=40 caloriesStretching=40 caloriesPicking flowers=48 caloriesWalking 3 mph=52 caloriesVacuuming=56 caloriesCarrying infant=56 caloriesHula dancing=71 caloriesJogging in water=127 calories* Based on a female, age 45, 5'4", 140 lbs.


Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries, Inc., a Christian organization that serves people who live with chronic illness or pain. She is the editor of HopeKeepers Magazine and author of various books on chronic illness, including, Mosaic Moments: Devotionals for the Chronically Ill; and Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why. She's lived with rheumatoid arthritis since 1993 and resides in San Diego with her husband and son.

6 comments:

Nancie said...

Thank you for sharing these with us. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragements. May God bless and keep you in His love always. You are in my thoughts and prayers too. Take care. Hugs.

luvmy4sons said...

Thanks again for posting wonderful good stuff to know. Blessings to you!

Denise said...

Awesome tips sweetie.

He & Me + 3 said...

Thank you for all that information. I am just excited that if I sit at the computer for an hour I will burn almost 100 calories. LOL

MJ said...

Awesome post ~ that is great information! Thank You

Bluebirdy said...

Hi Michelle; You left a comment on my blog about inner strength saying you don't feel very strong, but your subtitle of your blog says it all. When we feel like the weakest and most useless of all, God works through us to give us words we can't think of, and help us do the bare necessities, and do things that we could not do on our own, so with HIS strength, we are stronger. Also, when I had a period of wellness last month, I was REALLY aware of how different and how strong my spirit seemed, due to all the years of struggle and praying for guidance and help; but that feeling left when the lupus flared up again. When we are resurrected and have a healthy body, the spiritual strength that we have gained will be glowing! lol. Blessings! Sheila