While there is much to love about winter, from the first snowfall to the merriest of seasons, it is not without its challenges. There is even more reason to visit your internal medicine practice when the weather is frightful to prevent health issues. Fortunately, the following best practices can help you protect yourself as the temperature drops, allowing you to make the most of winter.
The official first day of winter is Tuesday, December 21, 2021.
Moisturize
At this time of year, it is not uncommon to experience dry, itchy skin. Fortunately, there are various things you can do to relieve dry winter skin, including using a moisturizing body wash and applying lotion after showering. In addition, you should reapply lotion after washing your hands and throughout the day to keep your body moisturized. Since dry eyes are also increasingly prevalent during the winter, you can find relief by using preservative-free, lubricating eye drops as often as needed.
Get a Flu Shot
The flu is caused by an influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. According to the CDC, it peaks during the fall and winter. The flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, muscle/body aches, headaches, and fatigue. The best way to prevent the flu from impacting you from finishing shopping for last-minute gifts and engaging in festive activities is to schedule an appointment at an internal medicine practice for an annual flu vaccine.
Protect Your Heart
According to the American Heart Association, cardiac events are up during the winter holiday season for many reasons, including disrupting routines and overindulging. The association adds that “we also may not be listening to our bodies or paying attention to warning signs, thinking it can wait until after the new year.” The American Heart Association says to be mindful of these symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting
- Jaw, neck, or back pain
- Arm or shoulder pain/discomfort
- Shortness of breath
They also recommend taking preventative measures such as celebrating in moderation, exercising for a minimum of 150 minutes per week, sticking to your prescription medications, and reducing holiday stress. In addition, you should schedule routine health appointments with an internal medicine practice to keep tabs on your blood pressure numbers. Doing these things can help you protect your heart.
Reduce Holiday Stress
The hustle and bustle of the holidays can leave the best of us feeling overwhelmed, especially when you realize that December 25 is only ten days away, and you still must finish your last-minute shopping and finalize holiday feasts for your family. To reduce any stress during this season of celebration, remember to prioritize self-care by sticking to your daily, healthy habits. That includes staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, completing your daily exercises, and writing in a journal.
Visit an Internal Medicine Practice in Shenandoah
Woodlands Diagnostic Clinic is an internal medicine practice located in Shenandoah, TX, providing comprehensive and compassionate patient-centered health care. Our internal medicine practitioners are committed to optimizing the health and well-being of our patients through the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of both acute and chronic medical conditions in an office or teleconference setting. Contact us today at (281) 863-9554 to schedule your health appointments with Woodlands Diagnostic Clinic.
Resources:
Boyd, Kierstan. “Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes.” American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), February 18, 2021.
“Heart attack deaths more likely during winter holiday season than any other time of year.” The American Heart Association Newsroom, December 7, 2021.
“Key Facts About Influenza (Flu).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Winter Solstice 2021: The First Day of Winter.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, December 13, 2021.
