Winter Health Tips
The short days. The cold, dry air. The comfort foods. Ahhh, yes, Winter can really knock us down. But if you want to be able to keep on snowboarding, then remember, prevention is easier than finding a cure. Here are a few tips to keep you "on board" this season:
Stay hydrated!!! And we don’t just mean drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water a day... use moisturizers on your face, lips and body, preferably with a high SPF factor to act as a barrier against sun and wind. Invest in a reusable water bottle, too, so you don't make waste.
Eat well: Nuts high in protein and B vitamins, FRESH fruits and veggies like berries and carrots, Good soups which can help relieve inflammation caused by sore throats, Avocados, Oily fish like salmon, Chicken and Eggs... basically, when you’re on or off the hill, strive to eat fresh foods. We know it’s hard to resist cheese curds, but maybe start packing your own snacks for the day, ok?
Get your Vitamins and Minerals: Take a multivitamin! Our favorite is Vitamin C known for its strong antioxidant qualities, it reduces the chances of getting a cold AND reduces the amount of time of illness.
Dress appropriately - wear layers! Make sure to keep your car, home and workplace comfortable as well. It’s easier to take layers off and cool down than it is to try to warm up!
Exercise! We guess you’re already out snowboarding, but keep it up when you’re off the slopes! Maintaining an exercise regime will benefit you on so many levels: increasing metabolism, boosting the immune system, improving muscle and joint function, AND exercise releases endorphins which make you HAPPY!!! (This is especially helpful if you get the Winter blues) Get a good mix of cardio, strength and stretching.
SLEEP! Our immune system works really hard during sleep to fight and prevent illness. It gives our brain a chance to relax and sort itself out, and it allows our body tissues time to rest, recover and repair. A sleep deprived snowboarder is dangerous!
Rosa Snow's Tip: Go out to your car and take inventory. (The Rosa Snow-Mobile is always stocked! Nerd-alert!!) Make a little kit that you can easily take with you in the car. It could be an actual box or bag, or just have a set place in your own vehicle for everything.
- Water bottle or cup/mug (if you can get a collapsible-type, that would be great!)
- Sunscreen
- Lipbalm (with SPF)
- Some simple snacks that won't spoil: trail mix, dried fruit, granola bar (just remember to take them out at the end of the season if you haven't eaten them!!!)
- A variety of pills & medications (get the trial size packets): aspirin, vitamins, cough drops, etc.
- Tissues, napkins and/or bandana. Bonus if you keep wet-wipes in your car.
- First Aid Kit: you can purchase a small one or make your own.
- A few dollars. Quarters are ideal for vending machines.
- Always keep a few blankets and maybe even a travel pillow in your car.
- If you can, keep a change of clothes and extra set of everything in case you or a friend forget something: gloves, socks, goggles, hat, layers, etc.