Monday, December 1, 2008

Top Health Tips: Your Guide to Feeling Fab this Winter

By Andrew Mitchell

The days are getting darker, autumn's colour is slowly giving way to a drab landscape and no matter were you go, the sound of coughs and sniffles always seems to follow you. This can only mean one thing: winter is on the way.

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: Consume carbs, carbs, carbs! Forget Atkins, forget low-carb diets, your body needs carbohydrates in order to keep itself warm throughout the winter. Don't overdo it, of course - keep in mind that everything is best consumed in moderation. What is essential to a healthy diet is to eat quality foods (whole foods, starch, protein, veggies) 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: Take a holiday. Go to the French Alps, or to Spain - any place that you might be able to find tranquillity, exercise, and plenty of sunlight. Believe it or not, but many people undergo seasonal depression due to the lack of sunlight in winter. Enjoy some fun in the sun this winter to prevent yourself from getting down in the dumps.

Now that you are armed with these expert perspectives on how to stay healthy, you are ready to face the challenges of winter head-on and, come spring, you'll resurface as being as strong as you did going in. - 16004

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