Your Guide to Winter Wellness: Health Tips for Horsham, PA Seniors
As we head into winter, it’s important to prioritize their health and well-being. Winter is not only the flu and cold season, but it also brings increased risks of falls on icy surfaces and feelings of isolation due to colder temperatures that cause many seniors to stay indoors. Seniors especially need to be mindful of the challenges they face and take proactive steps in order to stay safe, healthy, and connected during the next few months. If you’re not sure where to start, Visiting Angels Horsham has got you covered. We’ve created a guide to winter wellness to help seniors navigate this season and stay healthy all winter long.
Update Your Vaccinations
Staying healthy starts with ensuring your vaccinations are up to date. If you haven’t received your annual flu vaccine or COVID booster, now is the time to do so. The Montgomery County Health Department often holds vaccination clinics in the area and can help you find a location if their clinic isn’t available. Staying on top of your vaccinations can significantly reduce your risk of illness. Talk with your doctor about other vaccinations you should receive.
Rest and Recover
Even the healthiest among us can still catch a cold or flu from time to time, even after receiving a flu vaccine. If you do get sick, remember to take it easy. Give your body the rest it needs to recover. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids that can help with recovery, such as electrolyte drinks and herbal teas. It’s a good idea to keep a small stock of canned soups, broths, Gatorade, and cold medicine so that you have everything on hand should you start to feel ill. While you’re recovering, you can access digital services through the Horsham Township Library, which provides eBooks, audiobooks, music, TV, and movies to library card holders.
Keep Active With Indoor Exercise
Many seniors struggle to stay active during the winter months, particularly seniors who typically walk outdoors to stay fit. Yet, staying active is important year-round and can help seniors maintain a positive attitude in the midst of winter weather. This season, consider joining a local fitness class at the Northampton Township James E. Kinney Senior Center, which caters to all fitness levels with a diverse range of exercise classes. The Willow Grove YMCA also provides a variety of exercise classes tailored to older adults and offers open swim hours.
Support Your Health with Nutrition
During the winter months, many seniors can suffer from vitamin deficiencies. Focusing on nutrient-rich foods can help seniors boost their immune systems and equip their bodies to fight off illnesses. Opt for meals that include seasonal produce, such as root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, to ensure you get plenty of vitamins. Citrus fruits are also a great source of vitamin C and give the immune system an extra boost. Shop for fresh, local produce at places like GIANT. Mark your calendar for the Horsham Farmers’ Market winter season, another great place to find nutritious produce.
Stay Safe
Safety is key during the winter months. Seniors can slip and fall on icy sidewalks outdoors or trip and fall inside on stairs or in hallways that are poorly lit. The improper use of space heaters or malfunctioning heating systems can cause a house fire. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze, resulting in water damage. Ensure your home is winter-ready by checking thermostats, changing your furnace filter, making a plan for snow and ice removal outdoors, and inspecting insulation. If you need help, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties offers programs that can help with home safety assessments. They also provide tips on keeping your home cozy and secure.
Partner With Visiting Angels Horsham
Visiting Angels Horsham can play a vital role in helping you stay healthy during the winter. Our at-home care is personalized to meet your unique needs. Our professional caregivers can assist you in the comfort of your home, ensuring you stay healthy and active throughout the winter and beyond. They can assist with meal preparation so that you have nutritious meals that will support your immune system, and they can help with personal hygiene, which is especially important during flu season. Additionally, they can encourage light indoor exercise, participating alongside you so that you stay active in the colder months. Above all, our compassionate caregivers offer companionship to help combat social isolation and feelings of loneliness that often arise over the winter season. Please contact us today by calling 215-974-0974 to learn more about our exceptional at-home care.