Your Winter Protection Plan
Health & Fitness|Issue 242
Prime your defences and stave off winter bugs with a strategy tailored to your lifestyle
Hannah Ebelthite
Your Winter Protection Plan

There’s lots to love about the colder months. Autumn leaves and crisp, bright mornings, country walks and log fires, opaque tights and berry lipstick. The colds, coughs and ’flu though? Not so much. ‘Most of us get between four and six colds a year,’ says Dr Ross Walton, immunologist and co-founder of clinical research company A-IR. ‘There are more than 120 strains of viruses that cause respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and we’ll get more than 200 episodes in our lifetime . We know antibiotics don’t work for colds and ’flu, so what we need to do is optimise our immune response or, ideally, avoid contact with pathogens in the first place.’ Read on for some proven ways to stay well this winter...

IF YOU’RE A… GYM BUNNY

THE GERM RISK

You’re more likely to pick up a bacterial infection than a virus in the gym, thanks to the warm, moist environment in which bacteria thrive. Studies have shown the surfaces of gym equipment – machines, free weights, balls, mats – can be teeming with bacteria, such as pathogenic Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA). One study found free weights harbour 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.

Cold and ’flu viruses are less likely to survive on equipment, but can still be spread in the air if your gym is a busy one and people cough, sneeze and splutter through their workouts – especially with air-con and fans to increase air flow.

YOUR ACTION PLAN

Denne historien er fra Issue 242-utgaven av Health & Fitness.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra Issue 242-utgaven av Health & Fitness.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA HEALTH & FITNESSSe alt
Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight
Health & Fitness

Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight

Too busy, tired or stressed to work out? Stop feeling guilty, sometimes it’s ok to skip a session. Here’s why...

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 243
How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym
Health & Fitness

How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym

Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 243
Ski, Hike, Bike
Health & Fitness

Ski, Hike, Bike

H&F writer Sheila Reid gets active in Val d’Isère on a luxury snow adventure

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 243
We're Talking To… Vick Hope
Health & Fitness

We're Talking To… Vick Hope

The TV presenter and Capital FM DJ talks about what makes her feel truly alive

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

You Have Got Time T0 Run

Is the festive season taking a toll on your training? Follow these tips to squeeze in your workouts, no matter how busy you are

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Soothe Xmas Stress
Health & Fitness

Soothe Xmas Stress

Feeling far from festive? Follow this four-step plan to find support

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Rest & Restore

It’s the most stressful – sorry, wonderful – time of the year. So now more than ever, it’s important to take time out to relax and rejuvenate. Luckily, there’s a whole host of new ways to do just that...

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Me And My Workout Buddy

The winter months can really zap your exercise motivation, but these three women have a workout pal who inspires them to stay fit all year-round

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

I'm Building A Fitness Empire!

From reality star to sportswear designer, Gabby Allen is on a mission to help you look and feel fab

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243
Health & Fitness

Get Connected

Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 243