With the arrival of the chilly temperatures this winter, sickness is spreading fast. You can choose to accept the fact that you are going to get sick or you can try and beat the cold. There are many things you can do to help prevent you from getting sick this winter. Choosing to accept sickness is silly because they are quick and simple methods to prevent it.

To start, make sure you are always hydrated. “Staying hydrated is the most important thing if you want to stay healthy this winter” said Ryan Donovan, the former athletic trainer for Ipswich.

You may not feel as thirsty in cold weather, but that can leave your body more vulnerable to getting sick. Water helps carry nutrients to cells and rid toxins from the body. Without water your cells will not work as efficiently and toxins will sit in your body long enough to cause damage, eventually making you sick. It is recommended that one drinks half of your body weight in ounces of water everyday. For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, drink 60 ounces.

Second, make sure you wash your hands and body on a daily basis. The best way to preempt viruses and bacteria is to frequently wash your hands. Every time you go to the bathroom and before you eat, take thirty seconds to wash your hands. This will prevent you from planting bacteria and viruses into your body. It is nothing fancy, only a very simple task that will only help you beat the cold weather. “I wash my hands multiple times a day and I very rarely get sick”, said junior Nick Papa.

Aside from washing your hands, make sure you shower at least once a day. This will cleanse your pores and get rid of any viruses lurking inside of them. Showering is soothing for the body as well as an escape from the cold weather. It is a win win situation because it helps you stay warm and feels relaxing and refreshing.

Third, change your toothbrush at least once a month or even more frequently if you want. Germs can hide in a toothbrush and can cause sickness very easily. Always change your brush after any type of sickness, even it is something a simple as a cold. The germs will stay in your toothbrush and can cause reinfection. Toothpaste doesn’t clean your tooth brush so the only way to ensure a clean toothbrush is to get a new one. They are very affordable and can be purchased in bulk so it is a reasonable thing to replace your toothbrush on a constant basis.

As Emily Folan mentioned in a past article, try and get a flu shot annually. This can diminish your risk of getting the flu greatly. Do not be surprised if you get the flu after the flu shot because it is still possible. You have nothing to lose when getting a flu shot; it does no harm, only good.

Although it is cold outside, you have to do your best to stay active. It can be something as simple as shoveling the driveway or playing cards. Exercise, whether it’s physical or mental, is very healthy. Staying active boosts good cholesterol and decreases unhealthy fats. Also, it keeps your blood flowing smoothly which allows oxygen to get to the body more efficiently. Overall, exercise helps your immune system be more effective which is the key to fighting sickness and preventing it.

Another quick and easy method of beating the cold is to take your daily dose of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a pill that will boost your immune system. It may not be the cure for a sickness but it will help your immune system fight the sickness more efficiently. If you take it once a day, your immune system will be on the top of its game every day. At 14 or 15 dollars a bottle, it is a great investment because it can keep you away from the doctor which is a lot more than 14 dollars each visit.

All of those methods are important to your own physical and mental health. If you do all or even most of those things everyday, you will decrease your chances of getting sick this winter. All of the methods are affordable and practical so there is no excuse for getting sick. It is all on you; if you keep your body healthy then it will keep you happy.