NEW COLUMN: Wellness Weekly

By Idy Perl

Welcome to Wellness Weekly, a new weekly column of wellness tips, fascinating health facts, exercises for your body and mind, and a space to share your wellness tips with our readers! 

Join us each week as we explore various health and wellness topics to keep you healthy all throughout the winter months and beyond. Join the conversation in the comments below to share your thoughts and tips for our fellow readers. 

Myth Busters:

Myth: The cold weather causes colds and the flu. 

Truth: Surprisingly that is actually false, but don’t take off your coat and hat just yet! The cold weather alone doesn’t cause the multitude of winter illnesses that plague us all; those are caused by tiny viruses that replicate faster in cold temperatures. 

Only a few years ago researchers found that the immune response to viruses is greatly inhibited in cold temperatures. Since the nasal passageway is affected by the outdoor temperature, it becomes cool as well and reduces the body’s immune response, which allows the rhinoviruses to continue replicating. 

Healthy and Delicious:

Home Remedy: Try this quick and easy home remedy if you find yourself coming down with a cold. Cut off a piece of an onion and place it in a jar. Pour raw honey over the onion and let it sit for several hours until it forms a syrup. Take a tablespoon of the syrup every 3 hours to boost your immune system. 

Wellness Wisdom:

Some studies have found that coffee, or caffeine specifically, can actually help reduce feelings of depression! So go on, drink another cup guilt free!

Mind And Body Exercise: 

With the sun setting early in the winter its more important than ever to get natural sunlight throughout the day. Our body’s sleep cycle, or circadian rhythm, is set to go along with the sun, and when we’re deprived of sunlight our natural rhythm goes out of sync, which can negatively affect our mood, sleep, and energy levels. 

Try to walk outside for even 10 minutes every day or be near a window with direct sunlight to get some sunlight exposure throughout the day. 

Sharing Is Caring: 

What are the best home remedies you always turn to? 

Let us know in the comments below.