Calgary has been experiencing a wild winter season, with warm chinook days contrasted by incredibly cold stretches. Just how cold has it been, you ask? So cold that not even the Penguins want to be outside.
You read that right. CBC news reports, "just how cold is it in Alberta these days? Colder than the South Pole — at least in Calgary, where the zoo locked even the penguins indoors to keep their tootsies toasty. The Calgary Zoo cancelled its much-loved 'Penguin Walk' — a special event that can attract large crowds — for a third straight day Wednesday." The official statement from the Calgary Zoo read, "the Penguin Walk has been cancelled once again due to extreme cold weather conditions. As this weather puts physiological stress on the birds, we cancel the walk for their welfare."
The cold puts everyone under a lot of stress, and stress leads to a weakened immune system. Perhaps this is why this time of year more people are calling into work sick, homes are running out of tissue, and the sound of coughing can be heard everywhere. As flu and cold germs hang in the dry air, we decided to give you some tips for staying healthy during this chilly season. Follow these simple rules to avoid coming down with something:
1). Wash your hands. The Centre for Disease Control & Prevention notes, "Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water." It may seem obvious, but it's the first tip because it's one of the most important. Spend an extra 5 seconds really scrubbing your hands and thank us later.
2). Eat Healthy. Avoid sugar and greasy foods that don't provide your body with good nutrients on a good day, let alone a bad day. Common Sense Health writes, "how well you eat has a huge effect on whether or not your body has the resistance necessary to protect you from germ invasions. So make sure you’re eating healthy foods, like lean protein, whole grains and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables."
3). Drink lots of Fluids. WATER, WATER, WATER. Again, this may seem obvious, but we cannot underestimate how much staying properly hydrated helps our bodies fight off bad germs.
Most importantly, don't go anywhere when you're sick. Get some fresh air, but keep it outside and away from others. Be responsible so that if you do get sick, you don't pass it on to others.
Stay healthy!
(Photo Via Canva)
Posted by Ken Richter on
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