With the colder weather and shorter days here, doctors from Saint Anthony Hospital’s infectious disease, pediatric, and emergency departments want to share valuable advice to ensure you’re healthy this winter:

• Beware of Ice: Wear shoes with traction, take small steps, and keep hands out of pockets to increase balance and help prevent falls

• Don’t Share: Avoid sharing utensils or drinks: viral spread happens through casual sharing, especially among families with kids

• Educate Children: Reduce the spread of germs by teaching kids not to touch their mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands

• Hand Hygiene: Frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating and after being in a public setting

• Healthy Lifestyle: The colder weather may make it harder to stay active, but it’s important to continue to exercise, maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated and get eight hours of sleep

• Seasonal Vaccines: Annual flu vaccine is strongly recommended for everyone 6 months and older and to stay up to date on vaccines against respiratory illnesses

• Shovel Carefully: Warm up first and use proper form to prevent muscle strains and back injuries

• Stay Home: If you or your child is showing symptoms such as fever or a cough, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others and see your primary care physician to ensure a safe recovery

Photo Credit: Saint Anthony Hospital