(FORT WORTH, Texas) — Winter is here; and as the temperature drops, it can produce plenty of health hazards. For older adults some of the greatest health risks in winter include slipping on icy pavement, poor hydration and even insufficient vitamin D.

“As with all times of the year, it is especially important during the winter for seniors to make health their priority and to be smart so that winter can be enjoyed rather than just endured,” said Wendy Karsten, chief executive officer of Care N’ Care Health Plan. “While a lot of staying healthy during the winter is good old fashioned common sense, it’s important to exercise good judgment where health and lifestyle are concerned.”

As part of its mission of helping seniors stay healthy and independent, Care N’ Care suggests that all seniors in North Texas do the following to help ensure a safe and healthy winter:

• Avoid slipping and falling. Wear non-skid boots or other shoes with plenty of traction.
• Drink lots of water.Dry indoor air creates dry cracked skin, chapped lips, nose bleeds, and even headaches. Drinking water is good for your skin and can help you avoid overeating while indoors.
• Dress warm.When going outdoors wear layered, loose-fitting clothing and gloves. When possible, wear a hat to protect against heat loss since close to half of all body heat is lost through your head.
• Get your vitamin D. Sunshine, and the vitamin D it provides to your body, is key to battling the winter blues. Try to get fresh air and some natural light every day, even if it’s just to check the mail. On very cold days, open your blinds and spend some time sitting by the window. Don’t underestimate the value of light and sunshine in helping your energy level and overall winter attitude.

“We want seniors to be able to enjoy their lives in good health regardless of the weather or time of year,” said Karsten. “Our website cnchealthplan.com offers lots of tips, information and guides to help make that possible; and we encourage all seniors to take advantage of these health-oriented resources so they can live life to its fullest.”

Care N’ Care is a local Medicare Advantage health plan providing North Texas Medicare beneficiaries in Tarrant, Johnson, Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwall and parts of Parker counties affordable alternatives that improve and simplify Medicare coverage. With both PPO and HMO health plans, Care N’ Care offers all of the traditional benefits included in original Medicare plus additional benefits and services, including a personal Customer Experience Team to serve as the single point of contact and trusted partner throughout the members’ healthcare experience. For more information about Care N’ Care and its Medicare Advantage health plans, call 877-665-2622 or visit cnchealthplan.com.

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