Getting yourself and older adults ready to endure the winter

BALTIMORE - Winters can be harsh for everyone and everything. Vehicles break down, patiences run thin, and our bodies wear out. There is no surprise that more people tend to get sick in the winter months then any other time of the year.

Tuesday on Good Morning Maryland @ 9, Dr. Alicia Arbaje from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine continued a conversation from December about some simple things to keep in mind to help winterize yourself and especially older adults.

To learn more about her tips, we have included the segment in the video box to the left of this article. We have also provided her full list of tips below.

Winterizing Yourself
Just like we prepare our homes and our cars for the winter, we can prepare ourselves to stay healthy during the winter season. Here are 10 tips:

1. Get vaccinated
a. Not just the flu…
b. Review whether you need pneumonia, tetanus/diphtheria, or shingles vaccines

2. Prevent medication mayhem
a. Medication needs change over time, review to see if the ones you take are still needed
b. Make sure you have enough supply for travel or in case you can't get out due to bad weather

3. Have an indoor exercise plan
a. Change in season brings about changes in diet and in your ability to exercise outdoors

4. Work with your bones
a. Calcium and vitamin D to prevent falls and fractures
b. Resistance and balance training

5. Check your head
a. Make sure you have functioning eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures

6. Check your feet
a. Make sure you have functioning devices to help you walk if needed (cane, walker)

7. Wash your hands
a. Sanitizer ok, but washing is better

8. Call your friends
a. Avoiding social isolation can help with holiday blues and depression

9. Get it together
a. Put together or update a list of information of your health conditions, medications, and healthcare providers
b. Schedule annual eye, dental, and other screening exams

10. See your healthcare provider!
a. The best way to identify problems early and stay healthy.