January can feel like the longest month of the year. The holidays are over, the weather is grey, and everyone seems to be getting sick. We're here with three winter wellness tips to help you stay healthy until Spring.
Winter Wellness Tip #1: Check your vitamin D and supplement.
In our climate, it is nearly impossible to get enough Vitamin D from the sun, especially during the winter. Vitamin D is a powerhouse that supports bone health, but more importantly, it regulates your immune system and your mood. If you’ve been feeling unusually fatigued or "low," a simple blood test can determine if a deficiency is to blame. It’s one of the easiest fixes in medicine, yet it makes a world of difference. We recommend Thorne's Vitamin D Supplements.
Winter Wellness Tip #2: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
We often forget to drink water when it’s cold outside because we don't feel the same thirst we do in the middle of the hot summer. However, heated indoor air is incredibly dry. This dries out your nasal passages, making it much easier for viruses to take hold. Staying hydrated keeps your mucosal barrier—your body’s first line of defense—functioning at 100%. We recommend drinking half your bodyweight in ounces of water at a minimum per day. If you weigh 160 pounds, your goal water intake should be at least 80 ounces of water each day.
Winter Wellness Tip #3: Focus on consistent sleep habits.
Think of sleep as the "recharge and repair" phase for your body’s natural defenses. When you sleep, your body is anything but "off." It is actually hard at work producing and releasing cytokines, which are protein messengers that help the immune system respond to threats. When you don't get enough sleep, you don't produce as many protein messengers, meaning that when your body is exposed to a flu virus or cold, your body is less prepared to fight it off.
Chronic sleep loss also triggers a low-grade inflammatory response in the body. When your body is already busy fighting internal inflammation caused by lack of rest, it has a harder time managing the external stress of cold weather and viruses.
We're here to help.
Winter can feel isolating, but your healthcare shouldn't be. Whether you need an immune-boosting plan, a quick flu test, or just a conversation about your energy levels, our doors are open. Let us help you get through the rest of the season with strength.
Lubbock Primary Care Locations
South Quaker Location: 11005 & 11007 Quaker Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-701-4040
Southwest Milwaukee Location: 10709 Milwaukee Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-207-3703
Central University Location: 5015 University Ave. Unit B1, Lubbock, TX | 806-797-4357
Midland Location: 1300 W Wall St., Midland, TX | 432-684-4488
Abilene Location: 6743 Memorial Dr., Abilene, TX | 325-231-4667
