Posts Tagged ‘ Health Precautions ’

Protect Yourself From winter Diseases

Thursday, December 23rd, 2021

Enjoying the winter chills as you sip your warm cup of masala chai? While the festive season brings a smile to many faces and gives you a chance to adorn your favourite winter jacket, it may also lead to health complications for some. People tend to get sick with changing seasons as the shift in temperature causes viruses to flourish and spread diseases. This season makes you feel sluggish and lethargic and also lowers your immunity. If you are feeling under the weather, or suffer from symptoms of wheezing or high fever do not delay in seeking medical attention.

Common Winter Diseases

Let’s take a look at some of the most common winter ailments. Take the required precautions to help prevent them:

  • Common Cold
    During winter, the common cold is a very frequent illness. Symptoms include runny noses, sneezing, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and even headache. It usually goes away in a few days and doesn’t require any serious medical attention. Increase your fluid intake and rest to recover. Additionally, over-the-counter medications and nasal sprays can help alleviate the symptoms.
  • Influenza
    Influenza or the common flu is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms of the flu include a fever, cough, chest congestion, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue, often developing rapidly within a few hours. Rest and self-care will help with the recovery. However, sometimes serious complications may arise in high-risk patients that include young children and adults over 65 years of age.
  • Strep Throat
    Strep throat is a severe and painful sore throat infection that causes much discomfort. It is caused primarily by bacterial infection and is extremely common among young children. Fever, headaches, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck are all common symptoms. Use antibiotics only if prescribed.
  • Bronchitis
    Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which connect the mouth, nose, and lungs. It is more common in the winter months. Consistent cough, which may throw up mucus after a few days, is the most typical sign of bronchitis. Most patients will feel better in seven to ten days with over-the-counter medications, steam inhalation, and rest.
  • Pneumonia
    A common infection of the lungs, Pneumonia can lead to symptoms of coughing, sneezing, and even problems in breathing. If you are suffering from breathlessness or have a prolonged cold and high fever, consult a doctor for further investigation and treatment. This lung infection is caused by a virus or bacteria that can range from mild to severe, depending on factors such as age, overall health, and the type of infection. It is more likely to affect severely to children below two years and to those over 65 years.
  • Acute Ear Infection
    An acute ear infection is a common winter ailment in which bacteria cause inflammation and fluid build-up in the middle ear. Other causes of acute ear infections are cold, smoking, sinus infection, and changes in climatic conditions. The symptoms include severe pain, hearing loss, discomfort in the ear, etc. Consult an ENT specialist for further care.
  • Gastroenteritis and norovirus
    Gastroenteritis and norovirus are acute stomach illnesses characterized by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. They are highly contagious and are common during winters. The main sources of transmission are person-to-person contact and contaminated foods. Eat hygienically prepared food, and maintain high personal hygiene.

Winter Health Precautions

The cold weather and shorter days during the winter can make you lose the motivation to exercise and stay healthy and fit. This could lead to a weak immune system posing a greater risk of contracting the disease. Here are some precautions to stay healthy and safe this winter:

  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Have more immunity-boosting foods.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Drink more warm fluids during the season.

Take these precautions, stay active and eat seasonal fruits and vegetables to stay healthy this winter. It is important to seek timely medical care to manage winter ailments and lead a healthy life.

Winter Health Tips

Monday, December 13th, 2021

Feel like curling up in your blanket every morning and sleeping for some extra time? With the nip in the air and the pleasant winds, the most awaited season of the year is finally here. Though the unseasonal rains have been playing havoc since the last few days, everyone is looking forward to enjoying the cool winters, the delicious winter foods and the festive season. While the change in temperature is enjoyable for some it may also bring along some seasonal infections for young children, the elderly and for those with low immunity. Keep yourself warm and strengthen your immunity to help ward off these infections.

Winter Health Precautions

The cold and chilling weather can make you feel lethargic and depressed. It may also lead to dry skin, joint pain as well as seasonal infections of cough, cold and flu. It is important to safeguard yourself from the cold weather and stay healthy throughout the season. Here are a few health precautions for winter:

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get enough sunlight.
  • Wear extra layers of clothes to keep yourself warm.
  • Protect your joints.
  • Take your medications.
  • Maintain hygiene.
  • Moisturize frequently.
  • Stay hydrated.

Healthy Winter Foods

Fill your plate with seasonal vegetables, citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables. Additionally, herbs like ginger, tulsi, garlic in the diet also help to keep the body warm and prevent inflammation. Make these winter superfoods a part of your diet:

  • Amla
    The sour-tasting fruit is abundantly available in winters. It is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C which helps enhance your immunity and improves your digestion. It is also known to improve your skin and hair health.
  • Sesame seeds
    One of the most popular ways to have sesame seeds is to make chikkis. Sesame seeds are high in fibre, plant protein, vitamins, and other nutrients and help keep you warm in the winters. It aids in the development of blood cells, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and supports bone health.
  • Root vegetables
    Root vegetables are those that grow below the surface, like radish, purple yam, carrot, turnip and sweet potatoes. They are known to give warmth to the body as their digestion is slower and helps generates more heat.
  • Jaggery
    Do you have a sweet tooth after lunch? All you need is a mouthful of jaggery to satisfy your sugar cravings. When had with a teaspoon of ghee, the combination not only keeps your body warm, but it also helps to prevent winter diseases.
  • Dates
    Dates have a lower fat level, which helps you maintain a healthy weight. They’re a nutrient-dense powerhouse and should be consumed on a regular basis to keep your body warm during the winter.
  • Bajra
    This small, millet variety is rich in fat, protein, and fibre. The high iron concentration aids in the treatment of anaemia. Millets like bajra are known to help strengthen your bones if consumed on a regular basis.
  • Ghee
    Did you know? Desi Ghee is the most easily digestible fat which gives the body the much-needed warmth in the winter season. Don’t shy away from traditional homemade ghee laden mithais.
  • Ginger
    Ginger has thermogenic qualities, which help you stay warm in the winter. It also helps boost your metabolism and increase your blood flow. Start your winter mornings with a cup of hot ginger tea to keep you going strong throughout the day.
  • Dry Fruits
    Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, raisins and cashews are filled with nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. They also help in curing anaemia and other disorders that are caused due to vitamin deficiencies.
  • Tulsi
    Tulsi leaves are high in antioxidants and micronutrients that that help boost your immunity. The medicinal properties of tulsi help the body to fight cold-borne diseases like cough, cold, sinus, and other respiratory problems.

Enjoy this winter season by eating seasonal healthy foods and taking the above health precautions. Stay healthy, Stay safe!