The Thirwood Difference: How to Stay Healthy During the Winter Months

Cold and Flu Season is Upon us

It’s that time of year again. The winter months bring along holidays, joy, and quality time with loved ones. Unfortunately, they also bring cold and flu season. You might get the flu shot every year as a preventive measure. Maybe you become more conscious of how frequently you wash your hands this time of year. Or maybe you take vitamin C every morning. Whatever precautions you take, sometimes it still feels impossible to get through the winter without catching a cold.

The biggest winter illnesses on the Cape are upper-respiratory infections including flu, Covid-19, and RSV. According to the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, the flu is hitting the Cape earlier and harder than last year. A recent epidemiology report stated that “Last year (2024-2025) was the worst year for seasonal flu in a decade. This year we’re on track to break that record again.”

Mental Health in the Winter

In addition to impacting physical health, the winter months also impact mental health as well. It’s difficult to focus on staying healthy when it gets dark so early and all you want to do is go home and get under a blanket after work.

Less sunlight due to daylight savings leads to a lack of vitamin D, according to the National Alliance of Mental Health.

This lack of vitamin D can impact both mood and sleep which directly affect mental health. If you’re not feeling well mentally, you’re probably less likely to take proper care of yourself, which can lead to bigger illnesses.

Let’s Chat with our Healthcare Director

So, how do we improve this situation? We sat down with Thirwood’s Healthcare Director, Sara Gifford to chat about the topic.

According to Sara, there are some basic steps you can take during the winter to keep those illnesses away, including keeping a distance from people who are already sick.
 
“There are many other ways that can also keep you healthy during cold and flu season. Simply washing your hands with warm water and soap can make a big difference. An old trick of singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to yourself while washing your hands is about the right amount time to get those hands germ free,” said Gifford.
 
She also said hydrating and eating well will go a long way. “Don’t forget to get plenty of sleep – your body needs that important rest. And try to get as much fresh air as possible and stay up to date on your vaccinations,” Gifford said.
 
Staying physically active is another prescription to avoid illness in the winter.
 
“Fresh air is cleansing. Just walking around gets your blood pumping and your circulation going. It also helps clear your head,” said Gifford.

Moving your body and staying active is also important. Our residents do this by taking advantage of the various fitness classes that are offered daily at Thirwood. 

A Word from our Friends at Cape Cod Healthcare

At Thirwood Place, we are extremely lucky to have a partnership with Cape Cod Healthcare. It’s just another way to keep our residents as healthy and happy as possible. That being said, Heather Malcomson, NP, a primary care nurse practitioner with Strawberry Hill Primary Care in Hyannis, also has some tips for good hygiene to avoid infection that will keep you healthy during those cold winter months. 

• Good handwashing: wash your hands well to prevent spreading viruses and bacteria.
• Avoid touching your face, which reduces germ exposure through your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Disinfect surfaces like phones, door handles, keyboards and anything that can harbor viruses and bacteria.
• Wear a mask if you feel like you are getting sick and are going to be around others.
• Wear a mask in crowded places to protect yourself from others who may be sick.

“Above all, if you are not getting better or feeling worse when you have a respiratory infection, it is worth getting checked by your provider, especially if you have any underlying conditions,” said Malcomson.

Managing your health can feel laborious this time of year. But implementing some of these suggestions into your daily routine can vastly improve your health this winter season.