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Coco Warner reportingMaybe your household is already experiencing it-- the sniffling, coughing and runny noses that always seem to accompany colder weather. The next several months can be a dangerous time for your health. Coco Warner has some advice on how to keep healthy this winter.
Not only are we approaching the holiday season, we're also heading into flu season, RSV season, and croup season. So, what can we do to keep our children, and ourselves, healthy?
Dr. Ryan Evans/Pediatrician: "So we're giving flu shots right now, and now's the peak time to get your flu shots done."
And by the looks of the waiting room at the Tanner Clinic in Kaysville, people are listening. Doctors recommend that high risk patients-- children bewteen 6 and 24 months and the elderly-- always get their flu shots. This year there should be plenty of vaccine to go around.
And Dr. Evans says he also sees a lot more cases of respiratory illness.
Dr. Ryan Evans/Pediatrician: "Just remember that as winter comes, of course we all move indoors and as we move indoors then we're all in more close contact with each other. So we tend to share a lot more illnesses with each other."
Dr. Evans also says that parents need to keep themselves healthy this winter.
Dr. Ryan Evans/Pediatrician: "If a person is eating healthy, and if they're exercising regularly, then they're more likely to stay fit and less likely to get sick."
And the most important thing you can do is also the easiest.
Dr. Ryan Evans/Pediatrician: "The main thing is washing hands, making sure you avoid contact with other folks that are sick. That's the best way to avoid illness."
So again, some basic health reminders:
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid being around sick people
Get your flu shot
maintain a healthy routine.
Dr. Evans says parents should always call their doctor if they have any concerns.
Coming up tomorrow, winterizing your skin. We'll look at how to best protect your skin during these harsh winter months.
