Fit & Healthy

Winter Wellness

By Christina DeVoe, Sports, Recreation & Activities Director

As the weather turns chillier, the days get shorter, and cold and flu season approaches, our minds and bodies can find it difficult to adjust. Side effects such as the winter blues, achy joints, dry skin and more can all begin to affect the way we live, work and play. Here are some helpful reminders to ease into winter and thrive!

1. Don’t forget to eat your greens!

A healthy diet with lots of vegetables will help you get all of the nutrients your body needs. Leafy green vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental decline.

2. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated will help you maximize your physical performance, affect energy levels, and brain function. Drinking water also helps you stay moisturized! If your skin and lips are chapped, you may not drink enough water!

3. Take Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements can help you cover nutritional bases that you may be missing in your diet. They can help support your immune system, boost your cardiovascular health, improve your eyesight, and promote healthy aging.

4. Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly is always beneficial, but even more so in the winter months. Exercising raises your body temperature, which heats you up naturally and has a soothing effect on your body. (Think of it like a nice relaxing bubble bath, only with exercise!) Regular exercise also strengthens your immune system, which helps you fight off colds and flus.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large yellow onion, chopped 2 apples, chopped ½ teaspoon sea salt 1 (3-4 pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage ½ tablespoon minced fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 tablespoon cinnamon 3 to 4 cups vegetable broth Freshly ground black pepper For serving, optional Chopped parsley Toasted pepitas Crusty bread

METHOD:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper and sauté until soft, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the squash and apples and cook until it begins to soften, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes. 2. Add the garlic, sage, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.

Stir and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant, then add 3 cups of the broth.

Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the squash is tender, 20 to 30 minutes. 3. Let cool slightly and pour the soup into a blender, working in batches if necessary, and blend until smooth. If your soup is too thick, add up to 1 cup more broth and blend.

Season to taste and serve with parsley, pepitas, and crusty bread. All the ingredients can be dropped into a crock pot and cooked slowly all day while you’re at work or play. Add lentils for added protein!

5. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

The dry air in our homes can cause our skin to become dry and itchy. Using a good winter moisturizer is key to locking in your skin’s natural moisture while improving its smoothness. Also, don’t forget Tip #2!

6. Sleep Well

Getting good sleep is paramount in staying healthy! Not only does it improve mood, sleeping well can build your immune system, help you stay at a healthy weight, reduce stress, and help your memory. With the shorter days of winter, it’s easy to wind down early at night and get more sleep.

7. Wash your hands

We all know that handwashing with soap and water removes germs and helps prevent illnesses! Remember that soaps are better for your skin and microbiome health than hand sanitizer.

The cooler weather is finally here! It’s time for beautiful foliage walks, earlier sunsets, faint smells of cypress, beverages by a crackling fire, and fun gatherings. This time of year can also bring new sensations, such as dry skin. For smoother and hydrated skin, use a loofah when showering and add a few drops of coconut oil to your favorite moisturizer to apply after.

You can also create your own chemical free treatment to unclog your pores at home or for a stocking stuffer! Start by mixing ½ cup of cane sugar with 2 teaspoons of almond oil. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix the ingredients together and apply for glowing and healthy skin!

For a complete exfoliation & moisturizing experience try a Poultice Body Wrap & Massage at the Hampton Hall Spa. It consists of a gentle brushing of the skin for exfoliation, a pounce of an herbal infused compress to stimulate toxins, an almond oil blend massage, and a heated wrap.

To schedule a spa appointment, contact Tara Gabriel, LMT & Skin Care Professional, 843-540-0440

fit&HEALTHY

ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Arts and Crafts

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Community Parade & Brunch with Santa

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 11:30 AM

Kids Night Out

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 5:00 PM– 9:00 PM

**Please note the Fitness Center will be closed from 5:00 PM–9:00 PM Thursday, December 16 to accommodate Kids Night Out.

Winter Park Movie

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 MOVIE STARTS AT 6:30 PM

New Year New You Health & Wellness Challenge

KICK-OFF EVENT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 5:30 PM

Hip Hop Dance Pop-Up Fitness

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25 6:00 PM IN THE COMMUNITY CLUBHOUSE BALLROOM

National Wear Red Day

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Fit Over 50 Health & Wellness Expo

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM COMMUNITY CLUBHOUSE BALLROOM

International Polar Bear Day and Polar Bear Plunge

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27 7:30 AM OUTDOOR POOL

Please visit the Club website for additional details and registration.