health and wellness
Tips to Be Prepared for Cooler Weather
Cooler weather fosters the spread of germs and illnesses, so it’s essential to protect your immune system by maintaining healthy habits, practicing good hygiene, and staying hydrated. Spending time outdoors can boost vitamin D levels and mood, while managing congestion through humidifiers or products like Mucinex can relieve symptoms. Engaging with these practices aids in staying healthy during colder months.
(Family Features) Although cold weather isn’t directly to blame when you get sick, it creates an environment that makes it easier for germs and illnesses to thrive. In fact, understanding how cooler temperatures affect your chances of getting sick may be your best approach for preventive care.
Despite the old adage that “you’ll catch your death of cold,” the cold itself doesn’t cause illness. More accurately, the cold is more hospitable to viruses, making it easier for them to spread. While you can’t control Mother Nature, you can take steps to protect your health when temperatures drop.
Protect Your Immune System
A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to ward off intrusive germs. If you’re otherwise healthy, protecting your immune system can be as simple as stepping up typical healthy habits, like eating plenty of nutrient-rich produce, getting enough sleep and exercising. Managing stress and limiting alcohol consumption are also helpful in managing your body’s immune response.
If your immune system is compromised by an underlying condition, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about what you can do to add an extra layer of protection during the cooler months, including any vaccines that may help boost immunity.
Combat Congestion
Cool, dry conditions can wreak havoc on your nasal passages, drying them out and reducing the protective layer of mucus that helps fight infection. Sinus pressure and congestion are often some of the first warning signs you’re coming down with something.
To treat your congestion symptoms, you can use a non-medicated option like Mucinex Sinus Saline Nasal Spray. This is the first-ever saline product with a nozzle that lets you switch between two spray pressures. The “gentle mist” helps clear everyday congestion and soothes the nose while the “power jet” helps clear tough nasal congestion often associated with colds. An added benefit is that the product can be used for children 2 years of age and older on the gentle mist setting and children 6 years of age and older on the power jet mode.
Spend Time Outdoors
People naturally spend more time indoors when temperatures drop, but there are some benefits to getting outdoors. One is the natural exposure to vitamin D. Sunlight is a natural source of this important vitamin, which plays a pivotal role in immunity. Sunlight also triggers the body to produce serotonin, which boosts your mood, and multiple studies show a strong correlation between mental and physical health.
Fresh air and exercise are also good for your overall health, and exposure to daylight can help keep your circadian rhythms regulated, which in turn promotes better sleep. What’s more, acute exposure to cold can trigger your body to produce infection-fighting cells, so you’re less prone to illness.
Practice Good Hygiene
It may seem overly simple, but the everyday act of washing your hands can play a big role in preventing illness, especially after you spend time in public places. While out and about, you likely come in contact with many surfaces others may have touched, including door handles, shopping carts, touch screens and menus.
Washing your hands frequently can help prevent you from transferring germs to your body when you touch your eyes, mouth or nose. Also make a habit of wiping down surfaces you touch frequently, such as your keyboard and phone, with disinfectant wipes.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping your body well-hydrated throughout the day can help ensure all your body’s systems are functioning as they should. If you’re dehydrated, your body can’t use the nutrients you consume properly, which affects your immunity. In addition, drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins out of the body before they can cause an infection.
Find more practical tips and products to help manage your health during the colder months at Mucinex.com.
How to Relieve Nasal Congestion
Normally your sinuses are empty except for a thin layer of mucus. When you’re exposed to irritating triggers, like bacteria, a cold or flu virus, allergies or environmental triggers like tobacco smoke and dry air, your body responds by mounting an immune response.
The delicate tissues lining your sinuses start to swell, and this, in turn, puts pressure on the underlying tissues in your face, causing painful sinus pressure.
You can relieve sinus pressure symptoms in several different ways, including:
- Using a humidifier or vaporizer.
- Taking a long, hot shower; it may have the same effect as using a humidifier if one is not available.
- Drinking plenty of fluids.
- Using a warm compress on your face; resting a warm towel over your sinuses may provide relief.
- Irrigating your sinuses. Using a neti pot; saline nasal spray, such as Mucinex Sinus Saline Nasal Spray; or syringe with salt water may help flush debris from your sinuses to relieve sinus congestion.
- Sleeping with your head elevated.
If these steps don’t work, the next approach is typically over-the-counter medicine. When trying to relieve sinus pressure and nasal congestion, look for a decongestant. A decongestant can help shrink mucus membranes that have swollen in your sinuses, allowing the trapped mucus to drain.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Mucinex
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(Feature Impact) Dry eye is one of the most overlooked symptoms of perimenopause, the phase of fluctuating hormones leading up to a woman’s final period, and menopause, the point in a woman’s life when she’s gone a year without a period.
In fact, 79% of women1 recognize hot flashes as a symptom of menopause, but only 14% recognize dry eye as a menopause-related symptom, according to the 2026 Bausch + Lomb (Peri)Menopausal Survey. What’s more, 78% of women1 were surprised to learn that dry eye is a symptom of perimenopause or menopause.
“Dry eye is still widely overlooked as a symptom of menopause, and many women think it’s just a minor nuisance, but the truth is it can significantly affect your daily life,” said Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, IFMCP, FOWNS, founder, Integrative Vision. “Early symptoms are often misunderstood or self-treated but it’s very important for women who experience symptoms to see an eye doctor and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.”
During perimenopause and menopause, declining hormone levels can impact tear production, tear quality and tear evaporation, contributing to dry eye symptoms including redness, fluctuating vision and a gritty or tired feeling in the eyes, all of which can impact day-to-day comfort and quality of life. If left untreated, dry eyes may worsen over time, potentially impacting eye health and vision. Among peri-, menopausal and post-menopausal women who experienced dry eye, 80% said the symptom came as a surprise.
Respondents reported their dry eye symptoms caused difficulty reading (58%), difficulty using screens (53%), difficulty driving (26%) and reduced productivity (17%), underscoring the often-overlooked impact dry eyes can have on everyday life.1
However, there are a variety of products and treatment approaches available to help manage dry eye symptoms. For example, Bausch + Lomb offers a range of options designed to address the main causes of dry eye.
A doctor-recommended, clinically proven once-daily soft gel supplement that targets the key root causes of dry eyes, Blink NutriTears supports healthy tear production and provides lasting, continuous relief.* § As part of a comprehensive approach to dry eye management, the supplement can be used with Blink Triple Care Preservative Free Lubricant Eye Drops, which are designed to directly address tear evaporation, one of the leading causes of dry eye, and provide instant and long-lasting symptom relief.
An eye care professional can help determine the approach that’s right for each individual. To learn more about dry eye and products to help combat it, visit JustBlink.com.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
12026 Bausch & Lomb (Peri)Menopause Survey via Suzy, n=402; Women ages 30–80+ who are perimenopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal
§Based on a clinical study
SOURCE:
Bausch + Lomn
health and wellness
The Oral and Cardiovascular Health Connection: 4 Tips to Protect Your Teeth, Gums and Heart
People often think of dentists and doctors as totally separate healthcare professionals: one cares for your teeth and mouth while the other handles the rest of the body. In reality, the different systems in the human body are closely interconnected and oral health is no exception, making dentists a vital part of your healthcare team. Care for your teeth, gums and heart all at once using these tips.
(Feature Impact) People often think of dentists and doctors as totally separate healthcare professionals: one cares for your teeth and mouth while the other handles the rest of the body. In reality, the different systems in the human body are closely interconnected and oral health is no exception, making dentists a vital part of your healthcare team.
Oral health and heart health have a particularly close connection, with inflammation at the core of it. When your gums are inflamed, the resulting bacteria can make their way from your mouth through your bloodstream, potentially contributing to your blood vessels constricting or becoming blocked. This, in turn, may force your heart to work harder and raise your blood pressure, putting you at risk of heart disease and stroke. More than 46% of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and more than 40% of adults age 30 and older are affected by periodontal (gum) disease.
To help address these issues, the American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative, in collaboration with Delta Dental of California, is encouraging dental teams to take a total-body perspective with their patients. Simple steps like blood pressure screenings during checkups can give a more complete picture of a person’s overall health. If a member of your dental care team pulls out a blood pressure cuff at your next appointment, it’s a good sign.
“The mouth is a gateway to the body and can often reveal more about your total body health than you may think,” said Daniel Croley, D.M.D., chief dental officer at Delta Dental of California and Affiliates. “Oral health professionals have a powerful opportunity to integrate more into their patients’ collective health care team beyond protecting their patients’ teeth By connecting oral health and heart health, this initiative helps dentists identify risks early and guide patients toward care that can improve and even save lives.”
Care for your teeth, gums and heart all at once using these tips from experts at the American Heart Association.
Follow a Brushing and Flossing Schedule
Good dental health starts with a daily routine. If you don’t want to sheepishly cringe next time the dentist inquires about yours, brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to disrupt plaque-forming bacteria. Dentists recommend using toothpaste with fluoride and brushing your teeth and gums thoroughly yet gently, as applying too much pressure can wear away enamel and cause gum recession.
Eat a Healthy Diet and Limit Sugar
Most kids are used to hearing sugar will rot their teeth – and that’s not just a parental scare tactic to get their little hands out of the candy jar. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth, producing acid that can cause cavities and gum disease. For a diet your heart and teeth will both appreciate, prioritize vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, while limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
The connection between smoking and oral disease is well established: smokers face significantly higher risks of developing periodontal disease, losing teeth or being diagnosed with oral cancer. Cigarettes aren’t the only form of tobacco to worry about, either. Vaping, dipping and chewing tobacco can also harm your dental health by drying out your mouth and restricting blood flow to the gums. Since these products are also harmful to heart health, quitting or avoiding them offers plenty of worthwhile benefits. Seek support if you need help to kick the habit.
Communicate with Your Healthcare Team
Since your body’s systems are connected to each other, it’s helpful to talk to your dentist about your blood pressure and to your doctor about your oral health. Start thinking of your dentist as a key member of your integrated healthcare team. Don’t be afraid to share your medical history, discuss the side effects of any medications you’re taking and ask for personalized recommendations on caring for your teeth, gums and overall health.
To learn more about how to improve your oral and cardiovascular health, visit Heart.org/OralHealth.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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5 Habits to Boost Immunity During Cold and Flu Season
(Feature Impact) Your immune system is your strongest ally during cold and flu season, working hard to keep you healthy as you start hearing those telltale coughs and sneezes all around. Help your body do its job well by adopting a few simple habits that naturally support its ability to fight off germs or recover faster.
Talk to your healthcare provider for personalized advice then work on making these habits normal in your household.
Get Regular Exercise
Exercise is like a wonder drug that can improve nearly every aspect of health and wellness. Physical activity increases blood flow, reduces long-term inflammation, helps immune cells circulate through the body to guard against invaders and may even flush bacteria out of your lungs and airways. Plan to fit at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise into each week, like a bike ride, brisk walk, yoga class or on-demand video workout.
Eat Foods That Support Immune Health
To keep your immune system fueled, experts recommend eating a varied diet featuring plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil. Consider adding fresh grapes to your diet to enjoy benefits from their naturally occurring plant compounds.
Protecting the body starts all the way down at the cellular level, and grapes contain powerful polyphenols that support the health and function of cells. Studies indicate certain compounds in grapes, like resveratrol and flavonoids, support immune system function as well as brain, skin, GI and heart health.
These little fruits are easy to add to your diet, whether you enjoy sweet, juicy Grapes from California by the handful or toss them in a blender to make this California Grape Wellness Juice recipe. Support multiple aspects of wellness with the drink’s powerful combination of fruits and vegetables, delivering a variety of immune-boosting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps clean your lymphatic system, which is responsible for producing special white blood cells that fight germs. It also keeps membranes in your nose and mouth moist, decreasing infection risk. If you struggle to drink enough, eating water-rich foods like grapes also helps you improve hydration.
Practice Good Germ Hygiene
To increase your odds of staying healthy during peak illness season, hearken back to the tried-and-true hygiene advice your parents might have tried to drill into your head as a kid. Regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap, avoid touching your face while out and about, keep your distance from symptomatic people and disinfect commonly used surfaces like doorknobs when someone in the house or office is sick.
Sleep More, Stress Less
Before you start feeling stressed that you aren’t getting enough sleep, rest assured there are easy changes you can make to support your well-being in both areas. Try switching up your nightly routine to be oriented less around screens and more around calming activities that actually help you wind down, like yoga, meditation or reading.
Discover more health information and recipes at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
California Grape Wellness Juice
Servings: 3 (1 cup each)
- 5 cups black or red Grapes from California
- 1/2 cup peeled raw beet slices
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 small carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 piece fresh turmeric (1-inch), peeled and sliced or1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- In high-speed blender, puree grapes, beet slices, orange juice, lemon juice, carrot and turmeric until smooth.
- Pour through fine mesh sieve, stirring to extract as much juice as possible, about 3 cups. Stop when mixture starts to get thick. Enjoy immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes: This juice can also be added to iced tea or fizzy water.
Nutritional information per serving: 230 calories; 3 g protein; 58 g carbohydrates; 0.5 g fat (2% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 35 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.
SOURCE:
California Table Grape Commission
