By Toni Erasmus
With freezing winter upon us, we also open the door to the possibility of getting stuck in the “winter blues”. However, with spring still a few months away we hold on to the sporadic appearances of the sun peeking cheekily through the dark and ominous clouds, we are filled with hope that it will be all over soon. Likewise, patients have hope that they will soon receive units of life-saving blood and will be given a second chance to life: a gift that shines brighter than the piercing cold of winter.
During winter, blood stocks typically decline because of either ‘colds and flu’ or, in this case, the ‘winter blues’ that keeps everyone stuck inside.
Now, you are constantly reminded by the thick dew descending on your bedroom window, the dark thunderstorms that drive you and your furry friends to fear and by your breath that swirls up in the freezing cold air that winter will be sticking around for some time.
How Do We Beat the “Winter Blues”?
The list is endless: from drenching yourself in chocolate, stoking up your fireplace or hitting the gym while braving the cold. As the saying goes: summer bodies are made in winter. Another option is to cook a warm and hearty meal. Have you tried one of our iron-rich recipes on our website yet? Do something, anything, that will get your mind away from thunderstorms and the blues – just do something!
Jon Krakauer says: “Anything that gets you out, that gets you physically active, is going to be good psychotherapy and stave off winter problems.”
Why not brave the cold to “Do Something Remarkable”? We all know that heroes don’t get cold feet. Beat the ‘winter blues’, step up and save lives.
With us, you can shine the light into 3 lives every time you donate blood. It is proven that by doing something to help someone else, the brain releases endorphins which are hormones that make us feel good. So, next time when you want to beat the “winter blues”, do come through to shine your light brighter than any winter’s day.
Sr Sybil Jacobs, one of our Professional Nurse’s with years of experience in dealing with donors with colds and flu, shares some winter health tips:
Get a flu shot:
Science has proven that by taking a vaccine, your body creates antibodies to fight against viruses that results in increased immunity.
A balanced diet:
Feeding your body with enough healthy nutrients will help keep you healthy and also aid in the absorption of vital minerals and vitamins from your food.
Get enough sleep:
This is the body’s time to repair itself; it is proven that by reserving energy, your body will have more strength to fight against any viruses.
Keep good hygiene:
Wash your hands regularly or wear a mask when you have flu symptoms.
Stock up on Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and helps keep the body healthy as well as possibly shorten the period of being ill.
Take immune boosters:
This is a great way to give your immune system an extra boost to fight off any viruses.
Get ready to beat the winter blues and do something remarkable by donating blood.
