stay healthy Archives - The Franklin Shopper

As the pandemic continues to restrict many of the places you are able or inclined to go, finding ways to stay active is important for keeping the body and mind healthy and happy. Here are some ideas for new hobbies to try:

• Learn a language: Bonjour! ¡Hola! With an array of online language classes and tutorials available at your fingertips, learning a new language is more accessible than ever. Start now while you fantasize about a post-pandemic vacation overseas.

• Play an instrument: Learning to play an instrument is not only a great distraction for the current moment, it can provide you with years of joy as your skill develops. Consider starting your musical journey on a Casiotone keyboard. By connecting the keyboard to the free Chordana Play app, you can easily learn to play your favorite songs from downloaded MIDI files. Once you’ve mastered the instrument, the portability of the keyboard will come in handy, whether you play solo or join a band.

• Become a home chef: From sushi to soufflé to dumplings, there are likely a range of dishes you have never attempted making at home. Tackle your culinary bucket list, one-by-one.

• Go hiking: There is no better hobby for staying fit and communing with nature than hiking, which works every muscle of the body, boosts cardiovascular health and even improves mood and mental well-being. Track your hike using a wearable tech tool geared for outdoor enthusiasts, such as a watch from the Casio’s Pro Trek line. Quad Sensor technology packs all the measurements you need into one compact hiking watch, including a compass, altitude/barometer and temperature measurements, along with an accelerometer that tracks step count. Calorie calculations use both step count and altitude information to take upgrades and downgrades into consideration, and data is recorded by the Pro Trek connected app.

• Volunteer: At a time when many people are struggling, consider volunteering your time to serve those in need. There are plenty of safe, socially distant volunteer opportunities, from delivering meals to the homebound, to video conferencing with socially isolated seniors to helping boost adult literacy via remote tutoring.

Amid the ongoing pandemic, staying busy and positive may take creativity. However, discovering new hobbies and pursuits you love can nurture the body, mind and soul.

Cold season seems to kick into high gear when the temperatures drop, but this can be the year you don’t come down with a case of the sniffles! Cold prevention tips can increase your chances of making it to spring without losing any days or sleep to the common cold.

· Keep kids clean. School-aged kids tend to carry home lots of germs, so when kids get home after a long day at school, make sure they wash their hands thoroughly and change into fresh outfits. Such precautionary measures can keep colds and other illnesses from running rampant through your house.

· Go outdoors and get some fresh air. It’s a myth that cold air will bring on a cold. In reality, being outside instead of congregating indoors with other sick people may decrease your risk of getting a cold. Fresh air and exercise can be good for you.

· Drink plenty of fluids. Keeping your body hydrated will help flush toxins out of your body, strengthening your immune system and making it more capable of fending off colds.

· Keep your distance. Did you know the cold virus can be shot up to three feet away when someone sneezes? If you know someone is sick, stay as far away as possible and wash your hands frequently, paying special attention to your fingertips.

· Wipe down surfaces. The cold virus can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours. Use disinfecting wipes or warm, soapy water to clean off doorknobs, telephones, light switches, cabinet handles, and anything that is frequently touched around a home or business.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Viruses are especially good at entering the body through the mucus membranes located in these areas of the body. A combination of frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your face can keep colds at bay.

· Maintain your exercise routine. Regular exercise can boost the body’s immune system and help it to fend off foreign invaders, including the cold virus.

· If you do get sick, play it smart. Rest and fuel your body with healthy foods and beverages. Colds normally last between seven and 10 days. If your symptoms do not improve or if they seem to be worsening, visit your doctor.