Three… ways to stay healthy this winter

Three ways to look after yourself this winter. Picture: ON FILE

With winter less than two weeks and the cold weather well and truly here to stay, it is time to find a way to avoid hibernating until the weather warms up and find ways to enjoy the chilly conditions.

1. Get out of the house

It can always be tempting to light a fire or crank up the heater and stay at home, but getting out the door is always the hardest part of leaving the house. There are plenty of fun ways to enjoy the cold, whether it is a trip to see the Phillip Island fairy penguins or go for a brisk hike around some local trails. If all else fails, you can find some warmth at the Peninsula Hot Springs.

2. Start up a new hobby with friends

Now is the perfect time to introduce some more activity into your social life! There are plenty of fun ways to keep active and stay connected with people, from bouldering to joining a local sports team. Or even make a fitness challenge with your friend and compete with them to reach your goal.

3. Get your flu shot

The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone from mid-April onwards to be protected for the peak influenza season, which is typically June to September. The vaccine is free for people aged six months to five years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older, pregnant women, people aged 65 years and older and people with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications.