HEALTH & WELLBEING

Iknow it feels like winter only just ended!

However, flu and COVID-19 do spread more during winter, so it pays to make habits to boost our immunity and resilience. Thankfully, a few steps now can go a long way to supporting our winter health. Here are my eight top recommendations.

1. Nourish yourself stay motivated to exercise during the winter months when it’s cold and dark outside. Try forming the habit beforehand by scheduling in walking catch ups with friends or using hand weights during work from home breaks.

Eating a balanced and varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that help support the immune system and protect the body against infection and disease.

The connection between sleep and proper immune functioning is wellestablished. Among other superpowers, during sleep the body releases inflammation and infection-fighting proteins called cytokines.

3. Sleep well - The connection between sleep and proper immune functioning is well-established. Among other superpowers, during sleep the body releases inflammation and infection-fighting proteins called cytokines.

4. Consider your conditions - Talk to your GP to ensure you understand how to manage any pre-existing or chronic health conditions, such as asthma, allergies or eczema. Learn how to manage exacerbations of these health conditions.

2. Keep moving - Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a strong immune system and reducing the risk of illness and disease. However, it can be challenging to

5. Understand medications - Ensure you know when to use paracetamol and anti-inflammatories, as well as their correct dosages. Alternatively, book in for a medication review with one of our pharmacists to have better clarity.

6. Check your home - Block draughts in windows and doors, air wardrobes, sweep and mop floors, deep clean bathrooms and wash soft toys and winter bedding to help remove dust mites and mould.

7. Update your vaccinations - Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations must be up-todate to be most effective. We offer the latest COVID-19 vaccinations and have opened our online bookings for the 2023 flu vaccinations. Book now at www. terrywhitechemmart.com.au

8. Speed dial - Add your Pharmacist, GP, home doctor service and specialist’s numbers to your contact list, as well as any others you may need to call in case of illness.

9. myTWC app - Download our myTWC app on your phone to help manage your medications, place online orders, and have your pharmacy essentials delivered to your doorstep. This may come in handy if you are feeling under the weather and are not able to present to the pharmacy.