Is your family at their healthiest this winter?

There are many illnesses and health issues that are more common during the winter. For example, asthma, eczema and viral illnesses such as the flu tend to cause the most problems during this time of year. There is even something called seasonal affective disorder – or seasonal depression – that can be more common during the colder, darker and wetter months.So what can you do to help your family prevent health problems this winter?

During cold, dry months we tend to use our heaters much more often, effectively drying out the air in our homes. For children who are prone to eczema or dry skin, this time of year can be particularly challenging. Be sure to use a mild soap for sensitive skin during bath time and use a good moisturizer several times a day to prevent skin from becoming itchy and irritated. You can also try bathing your child three times a week. When finished bathing, pat the child dry rather than rubbing. If you notice your child has frequently dry or cracked lips, try applying a lip balm daily.

The dropping temperatures and declining weather can also be a trigger for coughing, wheezing and asthma symptoms. If your child has a history of asthma, prepare for the winter season by having refills of their asthma medicine readily available. If you do not already have a plan in place for what to do if your child has an asthma flare, then it might be time to see your primary care provider to put a plan in place. Symptoms of an asthma attack include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain and chest tightness.

The most significant health issue we face during the winter is the flu virus, and it is hitting us particularly hard this year. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu is getting the flu vaccine. It’s never too late to get the vaccine. It saves lives and is available for children as young as six months of age.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the winter is that playing outside in the cold will make you sick. This isn’t exactly the case. In fact, playing out in the cold can actually be beneficial to your health. Some children, adolescents and even adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder, or winter depression. Those living in northern latitudes with less sunlight during the winter (sound familiar, Northwesterners?) are particularly at risk. The dark months make some people want to stay indoors, go to bed earlier and be less active. These feelings can worsen and escalate into depression. Exposing yourself to more sunlight, spending time outdoors daily (even if it is cloudy), and opening up your window blinds in your home can make a positive difference in your attitude. Luckily for us, the days are already getting longer!