Why do we have a "flu" season?

Here we are... flu season! The schools are dealing with absences - both students and teachers, the workplace, too. 

Why? I have a thought. I feel there are sporatic instances of colds and flu during the summer, but autumn hits and so does the flu.

Could it be that it isn't only the weather? I think so. Think about it ... we all know as the weather cools and the humidity drops, we may reduce how much water we are drinking, we slip into comfort foods, baked goods ... and the holidays!

October brings us Halloween ... CANDY!
November and December bring us Thanksgiving AND Christmas... OVEREATING, COOKIES AND BAKED GOODS, THOSE WONDERFUL SUGAR-LADEN CANDIED SWEET POTATOES, SUGARED CRANBERRIES, PLENTY OF COMFORT CARBS, TOO ... MASHED POTATOES, STUFFING, AND CANDIED CARROTS!

Add to all that the wonderful stresses of preparing for company, gift and food, shopping, planning, planning, planning ... more stress. It's easy to eat this and that while dealing with all the holiday fuss ... you may not be getting enough water or sleep, plus if you're working ... well, that just adds to it!

But, that's not all ... New Years in January and Valentine's Day in February round it off. And, we cannot forget Easter ... Peeps, anyone?

To me, it's no wonder people get sick from October to February. We can't forget that while we are dealing with holiday life, we probably aren't taking very good of ourselves, right? Overworking, overdoing, over eating, over partying. Yeah, that all takes it toll.

So, what can you do about it ... for years I got sick every winter. That changed as I began to figure it out.

• Colder weather means drier air that dries out the mucus membranes and that can allow viruses into your body quicker. So, cracks in the mucus membranes allow those viruses to settle and access your body. I use a humidifier in my bedroom and close my door while I'm sleeping.
• Lack of sunlight! Taking a walk, regardless of the weather, can get you those beneficial rays. Upping vitamin D may also help.
• Crack those windows. A wee bit of fresh air, especially when sleeping, moves around stagnant air.
• It's harder to exercise when the weather turns cold and dry, but it is essential. I have a mini-trampoline I use all winter to get those 250+ hourly steps my Fitbit reminds me to do.
• Up your active minutes. The health gurus suggest 150 active minutes WEEKLY. I usually get that daily and you should, too! Even taking a little walk around your house helps.