a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team
“Winter-ize YOU”
by Karen Turi
WINTER-IZE YOU!
We take measures to get our car, our house, and yard ready for the winter season. How might we do that for our body mind and soul?
BODY:
With colder weather and less sunlight we are more susceptible to INJURY, ILLNESS, and DEFICIENCY!
Falls are the leading cause of injuries with winters ice and snow.
EXERCISE for strength and balance (chair yoga / stretching / home cardio).
HOME MAINTENANCE includes removing trip hazards and make sure lighting adequate, Maintenance in
order.
VISION CARE. Get that annual checkup and use corrective lenses as needed. Sunglasses to prevent
glare from snow.
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT: Have your medicine cabinet checked for cold / flu / cough / headache /
sleep needs; and be aware that some of these might cause side effects (drowsiness / blood
pressure changes).
ILLNESS AND DEFICIENCY occurs more frequently.
DIET:
Add Vitamin C to fortify your immune system (find it in citrus fruits bell peppers spinach and broccoli)
Antioxidants also help (berries, leafy greens root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots), along with ZINC (lean meats, eggs, and fortified grains.
Vitamin D for bone health and mood health! ( salmon / tuna / eggs / yogurt / fortified cereals / milk)
HYDRATION:
The need to hydrate in winter is important too. Warm both teas and soups in addition to water!
MIND
Healthy fats for brain function also helps to combat winter “blues” and support brain health! (fatty fish such as tuna and salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds).
READ and learn something new! It’s an excellent time to get into a new book or craft, or hobby.
Do a puzzle or the word games ( Wordle / Quordle / Hurdle / Waffle/ Super Waffle / Quordle Extreme.
Friends and family… call and connect. A little interest about your family and friends can be “GOOD MEDICINE” and help us stay in tune with them.
SOUL
It’ a great time to set aside time to pray and mindful meditate. Read the Bible each day for a renewed sense of spirit. Keep gratitude in your life… it warms and strengthens the soul. Look at the beauty of this winter season… the calm after a storm / the beauty of a snowfall / the wind blowing as a sign of the spirit in us!!!!
LORD WASH ME WITH YOUR GRACE / FILL ME WITH YOUR SPIRIT AND RENEW MY SOUL!
SITES FOR SUPPORT:
2. Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors (Nov 14, 2023). Senior Solutions Management Group Website
3. Winter Nutrition for Seniors Wll Being ( Nov 24, 2019) MEET Caregivers Website.
4. HOW to help seniors stay active During the Winter Months (Jan 9 2025) Eden Brook Green Bay web
5. How good nutrition Can Help To Beat Winter Blues (NOV 30, 2023) Spectrum Community Service Web
The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.
