PharmEasy Blog

11 Self Care Tips For Winters!

Winter is all about curling up in your warm blanket, relishing a cup of coffee, sunny afternoon picnics and so much more! All this becomes more fun if you’re at the top of your health! Don’t forget to keep a tab on your health and follow covid appropriate behaviour. Here are a few simple winter self-care tips that will keep you in good form this winter so that you can make the most of this season.

1. Layer up your woollens smartly

Is it very cold outside? Get your woollens out to keep yourself warm. Woollen and flannel-based clothes can keep you warm and prevent you from catching a cold. If you are travelling, then carry an extra jacket/shrug/cardigan and a woollen cap with you so that you can slip into them if the temperature drops. Layering clothes during winter should be done carefully so that your clothes are not very tight and uncomfortable on your body. This can otherwise affect blood circulation.

2. Sip warm beverages

Keep yourself warm and hydrated by sipping some hot water, golden latte (turmeric milk), herbal tea, fresh home-made soups etc. Choose healthier homemade preparations over packaged drinks and pre-mixes. 

3.  Draw yourself a warm bath

Does the thought of taking a shower on a cold winter morning seem unpleasant? A warm bath is a good way to stay in good shape this winter. Maintain good personal hygiene during winter to keep away from skin infections and other health problems.

4.  Exercise daily

Exercise more this winter to build stronger muscles and keep your body warm. When you work out in winter, your body burns more calories than usual to generate heat and warm the body. You can opt for a brisk walking or indoor exercises, yoga, zumba etc., depending on your health needs.  Not just that, exercising daily in winter also improves blood circulation and strengthens your immune system. This is also a great way to lift up your energy levels and mood.

Read More: 7 Health  Benefits of Regular Exercise

For winters look for ointment and moisturizers that are thicker in texture as they pack more moisture and are beneficial than routine skin care products. Hyaluronic acid has gained popularity recently for skin care routine as a rejuvenating product.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

5.  Moisturise your skin

This advice applies to both men and women – because grooming oneself in winter is supremely important! Winter is a very dry season. So naturally, the cold air draws out the moisture from your skin. That is why your skin feels flaky and itchy in winters. If you do not moisturise and hydrate your skin, soon your skin may appear dull and dry. How can you prevent this? Simply invest in a good moisturizer and follow a good skin care routine. You can purchase a bottle of coconut/sesame/olive oil or you could opt for moisturizing body lotions- whichever suits the needs of your skin.

Read More: 10 Foods That Are Good For The Skin

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6.  Drink plenty of water

We don’t feel very thirsty in winters and often forget to drink water. But this is not wise, because, without water, your airways and sinuses become vulnerable to infections like cough and cold. Always stay hydrated and drink plenty of water! Put a reminder on your phone if you tend to forget!

Also Read: Drinking Hot Water vs Cold Water – What Should You Drink?

7.  Eat smart

Do you eat processed food? If yes, then you need to control this urge during winters. Since chances of falling sick increase in winters, unhealthy eating can weaken your immune system and make you feel low. So eat healthily, consume winter-specific vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, carrots and beetroot to keep yourself hale and hearty!

8. More Sunlight

Winter time is usually accompanied by less sunlight, this leads to people getting less sunlight overall when coupled with the fact that most people spend less time outdoors. Lower exposure to sunlight can lead to depressive symptoms as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Additionally, the body is not able to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D unless you are exposed to sunlight. This winter, make sure to go outside and get some sunlight, and if required, speak with your doctor about vitamin D supplements.  

9. Fix Your Sleep Routine  

Due to less sunlight, the body begins to produce more and more melatonin as the season progresses, this hormone is responsible for making you feel sleepy. To avoid feeling tired and sleepy throughout the winter, ensure that your sleep schedule is fixed with 7-8 hours of sleep every day. Avoid oversleeping, as this can also have negative effects on your mood and health.  

Another important thing in winter skincare is proper exfoliation as the dead skin cells are more in winter. Exfoliate twice a week, do not try to overdo it. · Use a hydrating serum every time you wash your face or hands.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

10. Socialise

Being isolated and alone can lead to negative mental health effects as well as cause long term effects on the brain. Meet with your family members, hang out with friends and play some board games together. This can help you combat any winter blues and keep your mind sharp. If you find yourself facing mental health issues, speak with a professional or reach out to someone you trust for help. Winter self-care isn’t only about being physically healthy but also about taking care of your mind.

Stay healthy with these winter self-care tips  so that you can always enjoy that winter breeze, a hot cuppa and make the most of this beautiful season!.

11. Use Room Heaters Cautiously

Take care of ventilation of your rooms while using heaters. Do not burn anything in closed spaces for heating. People with breathing difficulties (asthma, COPD, pneumonia) need to take special care. Follow all safety measures while using any appliance.

Read More: How to Stay  Fit &  Healthy?

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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LivEasy Essentials To Help You Through The Winter

Winters in India bring a respite from the unbearably hot summers that are common all over the country. Even though the winter brings relief from the heat, it is accompanied by its own inconveniences.  

Our immunity becomes weak during winter, we become prone to common cold and flu, we develop aches and pains all over our body and if we hurt ourselves, the pain takes a long time to go away when the weather is cold. 

LivEasy has introduced a range of products that can make winter more comfortable. This brand is associated with lifestyle and wellness essentials that you can trust. They are intended to uplift your quality of life and equip you to deal with the complexities and troubles that life throws at you.

So how can LivEasy improve your winters? Let’s take a look-

1. LivEasy Essentials Copper Bottle

This copper bottle is enriched with the power of Ayurveda. Copper, according to Ayurveda as well as modern science, has excellent germ-killing properties. It can neutralize the pathogens that live in water making the water safe for consumption.

According to Ayurveda, copper can also strengthen your immune system. Your immunity is weak during winters and your body is vulnerable to various infections caused by bacteria and viruses. So drinking water stored in a copper bottle can be beneficial in preventing infections.

2. LivEasy Ortho Care Hot Water Bag

In some parts of India, winters can be brutally cold. So why not warm your bed and make it cosy and comfy by slipping in a hot water bag under the blanket? LivEasy’s hot water bag is a perfect body warmer on a cold winter’s night. 

You can also use it to ease body pain. Hot compress helps to relax muscles, tendons, and joints. Applying the hot water bag to aching joints can help bring comfort.

3. LivEasy Ortho Care Reusable Hot and Cold Gel Pack

Sprains, bruises, and injuries tend to hurt more and persist longer during the winter. An effective way to deal with this kind of pain is the application of a cold compress. LivEasy’s Hot and Cold Gel Pack when refrigerated for an hour can be used  as a cold compress. It helps to numb the nerves  and limits the blood supply to the site of injury helping in reducing the inflammation and pain. Similarly, by dunking the pack in warm water for 10-15 minutes, you can use it for a hot compress as well to bring relief from sore and aching muscles and joint aches, or to simply warm yourself.

4. LivEasy Essentials 4-in-1 Steam Vaporizer with Copper Coil

This vaporizer can come in handy when you catch a cold. Blocked sinuses trigger pain in the face, make your nose congested and give you a headache. When you use LivEasy’s Vaporizer, the steam helps loosen the mucus of your airways and lungs, thus making it easier for you to expel the mucus and clear your sinuses. After about 10 minutes of inhaling steam, your headache and sinus pain will naturally ease and you will be able to breathe better.

Boosting immunity and managing respiratory illnesses is a need of the hour, especially during the winter season. LivEasy ushers you into the world of healthy living. It’s here to help you lead your fast-paced life much smoothly with the help of some simple solutions. We ensure that you feel your best every day while living a healthy and happy life. 

Also Read: Vaginal Steaming: Research-Backed Insights on Benefits and Precautions

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Suffering From Heartburn During Winter? – We Might Know The Reason

You may not know it, but acidity can peak or worsen during the winter season. This could be due to staying home for long, being physically inactive, having a sedentary lifestyle and eating oily, spicy and junk foods. The reduced physical activity and increased caloric intake result in higher body mass index. 

All these factors lead to a slow digestion process, ultimately causing acid reflux and heartburn. So, if you are physically inactive, your digestive system can lead to acid reflux and pain. Adopting preventive measures to avoid acidity is the perfect solution to your problem.

Does the winter season make you crave hot and spicy food more?

Chilly winter weather affects more than just temperature. Your body experiences changes in energy levels, metabolism and, even, food choices. When you get cold, do you skip the gym and convince yourself that you deserve a calorie splurge to warm up and offset your discomfort?  Well, you’re not the only one! However, the fact is that no weather warrants overindulging on unhealthy foods and eating habits. Just as you should not overeat ice-cream during the hottest summer days, you should not live on an unhealthy diet of spicy/oily/junk food during winter either, as it may cause acid reflux. 

Here are a few healthy and tasty ways to prevent acid reflux:

Winter comes with many surprises”¦ But not all may be pleasant.
So take a pause before you pop the pill!

As winter approaches, we tend to attribute a whole bunch of symptoms of having a cold such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and so on. For treating pain and aches, we take a painkiller while, to treat cold and cough symptoms, we usually pop an antibiotic.  Although unhealthy food habits and poor lifestyle choices are major causes of acidity and heartburn, certain types of medicines like antibiotics and painkillers can also trigger acidity. 

Acidity due to painkillers

Apart from food and lifestyle, certain painkillers that you take can also cause heartburn and acidity. Most painkillers, like aspirin and ibuprofen, used to treat mild-to-moderate pain, belong to the drug class called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although they help alleviate pain, they can cause acidity and ulcers in the stomach. A study done in 2008 has found that 27% of individuals using NSAIDs reported heartburn, acid regurgitation or both compared to 19% non-users. Regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers can increase the risk of ulcers up to five times, along with indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation and bloody stools.

Acidity due to antibiotics

Enormous microbiomes are present in the stomach and intestines, including bacteria (both good and bad) that help in the digestion process. Antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections in the body, unfortunately, cannot differentiate between the good and bad bacteria present in the gut and produce side effects such as, nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, heartburn, gas and bloating, cramping and diarrhoea.

Managing heartburn while taking painkillers and antibiotics this winter

Patients who use painkillers frequently, acidity, heartburn and stomach ulcers can pose a grave problem. Different ways to alleviate the symptoms include: 

Post antibiotic intake, restore your gut health with these simple tips:

Relieving acid reflux after consuming painkillers and/or antibiotics

Many over-the-counter, as well as prescribed medications, can help relieve acid reflux and heartburn. These include:

These medicines are most helpful for people who have heartburn often, i.e., more than two days a week. In case of severe acidity, the patient may have to undergo surgery (vagotomy) to curb the acid production in the stomach.

Know more about Omeprazole 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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5 Beverages To Keep You Warm This Winter!

Want to beat the chill this winter? A warm beverage during this time will not only keep you healthy but feel as comforting as a snuggle! Here are some beverage ideas that will keep you warm and homey!

Read on to find out which beverages you should slurp on during winters!

1.    Apple cider and cinnamon

Want to try a unique and delicious beverage this winter? Apple cider with a few sticks of cinnamon is just what you need. Just pour yourself a cup of apple cider, put two cinnamon sticks into the cup and let them soak so that the cider is infused with the goodness of cinnamon. Sip on the liquid half an hour later. It’s not just delicious but also has numerous health benefits –

2. Warm lemon water  

What is the one hot beverage that even all the celebrities swear by to remain fit and healthy? It’s warm lemon water! Just warm a cup of lukewarm water, squeeze a quarter of a lemon and drink it to kick start your winter day.  

Winter is when you are at risk of contracting viral and bacterial infections and warm lemon water is one of the best immunity-boosters that will protect you from winter illnesses like cough and cold.

There are even more benefits of lemon water which make it a must-have beverage for winters-

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Also Read: Does Black Coffee Reduce Weight: Research-Based Insights into Coffee’s Role in Weight Loss

3. Ginger brew

Are you craving a spicy beverage this winter? Prepare yourself for some hot ginger solution. This brew is known for its slightly zesty and hot taste due to ginger. This is what makes it a soothing beverage in winter for people with a severe case of cold.

Ginger is a powerful medicinal herb and a mixture of warm water with ginger will do the following for your body –

I suggest Rasam which is made using tomatoes, tamarind, lentils and spices like black pepper which is excellent remedy for winter season illnesses like cold and cough, also it is warm and soothing.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

  4. Masala Tea

What is the king of all winter beverages? It is the Indian masala chai! Not only does it taste awesome but it also packs a punch with its innumerable health benefits. It contains many spices like cloves, cardamom (elaichi) and bay leaf that are loaded with medicinal properties that you need in winter. Here are a few reasons you need to make yourself a masala tea anytime this winter –

Extreme winters and cold conditions may land a person in hypothermia usually represented as shivering, shallow breathing, confusion, drowsiness, or slurred speech, keeping oneself warm is very necessary in extreme weather.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Read More: 7 Benefits of Masala Tea

5. Coffee    

Feeling cold & lazy? Grab a mug of coffee and as it travels down your throat, you will feel yourself becoming warm and toasty. Coffee contains caffeine- a compound that you need in winters to be at the top of the game. It improves your blood supply which keeps you warm.  

Caffeine also reduces the likelihood of contracting respiratory problems, the flu or a common cold. There are many other benefits of caffeine that make coffee a vital beverage for winters –

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Winters are incomplete without a mug of your favourite hot beverage. But wouldn’t be great if your beloved warm drink could also boost your health? With the beverages we mentioned, you are sure to be cozy, happy and healthy throughout the winter months.

Also Read: 4 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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