ISO DECEMBER E-NEWSLETTER

How to stay healthy during winter?

Adjusting to a new country is an exiting process, one that might bring about many new adventures. Nevertheless, getting used to the new weather and local ’illnesses’ is always a problem. Taking care of your health, thus, should be top priority. After all, no one likes to get sick in a foreign country. We would like to provide you with some advices to assist you in staying healthy and enjoy this cold season.

During fall and winter, air heating systems are widely used to warm up living spaces. Heating systems dry out the air and the human body. The body becomes more vulnerable to bacteria that are commonly found in houses or office spaces. That is why many people experience flues and colds during winter time. It is very important that you have a healthy balanced diet during this season, one which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C. This will assist in preventing and getting over colds and flues. Some of these foods are oranges, banana, kiwi, cranberries, carrots, onion, and garlic.

Here are some tips concerning your health:
  •    Wash your hands frequently. This is often your best defense. Wash the entire hand using warm water and soap.
  •    Avoid putting your hands near your eyes, nose or mouth, unless you have washed. Most bacteria and germs are spread from a surface to your hands to
       your face. Few germs are transmitted through the air.
  •    Clean your shared spaces more often than other times of the year. Remember phones, keyboards, office equipment and other items used by several
       people during the day
  •    Get enough sleep. During sleep, your body's immune system goes into high gear to protect you from illness. Lack of sleep can reduce immune functioning
       making you susceptible to sickness.
  •    Drink more water. In the fall and winter, it is easy to overlook your thirst and get dehydrated. Make sure you consume 8 glasses a day.
  •    Continue a moderate exercise program. Try to maintain a 3-4 day a week exercise routine. it will stimulate your immune system
  •    Eat healthily. A good rule is to eat 10-15 calories per pound of ’desired body weight.’ If your ideal weight is 170 lbs, then consume 1700-2550 calories a
       day (1700 for sedentary individuals and 2550 for extremely active types.)
  •    Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can be dehydrating which, in turn, may decrease your resistance to bacteria.
What are the symptoms of the common cold?

The following are the most frequent symptoms of the common cold. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  •    Stuffy, runny nose
  •    Scratchy, tickly throat
  •    Sneezing
  •    Watering eyes
  •    Low-grade fever
  •    Sore throat
  •    Mild hacking cough
  •    Achy muscles and bones
  •    Headache
  •    Mild fatigue
  •    Chills
  •    Watery discharge from nose that thickens and turns yellow or green
If you have 3 or more of this symptoms you might already have a cold, the following ’home remedies’ might help you feeling better.

  •    Cough: Steam some sage in freshly boiled water for at least 20 minutes. Drink it hot or cold.
  •    Head congestion: Drink a lot of fluids specially hot liquids like chamomile tea, chicken soup and lemon tisanes
  •    Boost your immune system: Have a daily dose of Echinacea during the winter months as a preventive measure. The herb should not be used by anyone
       with a severe illness or an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus
Also keep in mind:

  •    Let a cold run its course. Over-the-counter medications can interfere with the body's natural healing process and can even depress your immune system.
       Use them carefully.
  •    Don't treat cough with a suppressant, since coughing is your body's way of ridding itself of accumulated phlegm.
  •    Disinfect your appliances such as telephones and remote controls to avoid infecting others and re-infecting yourself.
  •    Change the bed linens and bath towels frequently and use disposable towels in shared bathrooms and in the kitchen.
  •    Some times zinc can lessen the duration and severity of a cold.
  •    Use a humidifier regularly during the winter months.
We hope you find this information useful.

Questions? Please call us at (800) 244-1180 or e-mail to mailbox@isoa.org
ISO Customer Care representatives are standing by to assist you!