You might think I'm crazy, but winter is my favorite season. I just love celebrating the heartwarming holidays with my family and spending time in the snow! Not to mention all the yummy warm drinks we can enjoy once we head back inside.
But one thing I absolutely hate about this time of year: getting sick. I always think I'm going to make it through without having to take a trip to my doctor, but then I ultimately end up catching whatever bug has been bouncing around my office.
I'm hoping for better luck this year after finding all of these amazing trade secrets nurses have let slip about staying healthy no matter what germs are flying around the air. After all, who would know better than the folks who spend all their time around sick people and still manage to make it to work every day without so much as a sniffle?
Be sure to SHARE these helpful words of nurse-approved advice with your loved ones!
Featured Image: Flickr / Travis
1. Stop touching things with your bare hands.
OK, that might be a bit impossible, but nurses recommend at least making sure you have some hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes on you at all times to get rid of all those germs other people will share with you.
2. Treat bee stings like a steak.
Well, not exactly, but you can grab your meat-tenderizing seasoning to help get rid of the painful stinging. Simply add a few drops of water and apply for about 15 minutes.
3. Grab some garlic.
It might not smell great, but chowing down on the bulbs or even brewing them into a tea has been shown to help reduce cold symptoms.
4. Learn how to really wash your hands.
There's the old alphabet song trick to make sure you're lathering for long enough before rinsing, but nurses also stress the need to make sure you're giving them a good scrub — not just moving the soap around, but really causing friction.
5. Be brave and get the flu shot.
They are offered at so many places now and are often free with most insurance, so there's really no excuse for being unprepared.
6. Stock up on zinc.
Whether it's lozenges, pills, or drops, start taking zinc as soon as you feel even the slightest tinge of ickiness to shut it down before it starts. It can also help minimize your symptoms if you don't realize what's happening until the cold hits you.
7. Honey isn't just for sweetening your tea.
The sticky substance can also act as an antibacterial salve for cuts and bug bites when you're out of drugstore options like Neosporin.
8. Keep an eye on your vitamin intake.
This is especially true when it comes to vitamins B and D and magnesium. Nurses recommend asking your doctor to run a scan the next time you stop by for a checkup so you know how much you need to be taking.
9. Soothe your headache with hydration.
Dehydration is a major cause for those pesky pains, so drink up, and maybe have a cup of coffee while you're at it. Caffeine is great at kicking headaches to the curb.
10. Get more sleep than you think you need.
Seriously, resting when you're not feeling at your best is one of the most essential ways to get better faster and something too many of us skip with our busy lives.
11. Go for green rather than orange.
The vitamin C in oranges is also helpful, but nurses say to be sure you include plenty of antioxidant-filled green veggies in your meals to help boost your immunity, too.
These tips from nurses are key to surviving colds that come every time the seasons change. Did we miss one of your best health tips? SHARE with your friends and let us know in the comments!
