To Your Health: Brace yourself, winter is coming
By GILLIAN SLADE on September 16, 2019.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com
I am not a fan of winter so this time of year is always accompanied by thoughts of really cold weather approaching.
This year I am trying to prepare better. I always think preparing in advance is a good strategy and can be helpful mentally and physically.
Many people find the shorter daylight hours a challenge while others, by necessity, must limit their time outside. Let’s face it even going for a short walk in winter means extra clothing and boots and the challenge of staying on one’s feet if it icy.
It is a good idea to work on some projects that will help you through the dark days of winter successfully.
If you like reading make a list of the books you’re eager to enjoy. Purchase them or check if you can borrow them at the library. Make a goal, depending on your free time, regarding how many you’d like to read before next spring. Perhaps write down the subjects that you are interested in and challenge yourself to learn something new from a book.
For those who love board games it is an excellent way to pass sometime indoors with friends. Schedule a Scrabble game night once a week at your own home. Forget being concerned about inviting people into your home. They are coming to enjoy time with you.
I have talked in the past about the physical, psychological and spiritual benefits of singing. The Veiner Centre choir is looking for new members. If you join up soon you can still be part of their Christmas performances. If you are interested call Sheila Tiegs 403-580-8283.
Speaking of Christmas, it is a good time of year to start planing Christmas gifts. Perhaps you can make something personally for those on your list.
Do you play a musical instrument? You are never too old to learn.
Do you sew but have not embarked on a new project for years? It is a wonderfully creative pursuit and perhaps you can even make some clothes for yourself or as gifts for others.
Some of you are groaning about not being accomplished enough to sew or enjoy playing a musical instrument. I am a great believer in finding someone who does things well and taking lessons. The lessons themselves are therapeutic and the rewards of those lessons will last a lifetime.
Even writing all this is making my mind spin with all the things I can do this fall and winter to not only keep busy but also creative. It fills me with purpose. I will hardly notice the weather outside.
Here’s to a new season with new purpose and inspiration and here’s To Your Health.
To Your Health is a weekly column by Gillian Slade, health reporter for the News, bringing you news on health issues and research from around the world. You can reach her at
gslade@medicinehatnews.com or 403-528-8635.
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