HAGERSTOWN, Md. — With cold and flu season coming quickly, it is very important to build up the immune system and stay ahead of germs. Here are some health tips from the 2026 Almanack to help battle cold weather ailments.
Take those extra steps
“Turn everyday activities into light exercises. Walk to your destination whenever you can.”
It is recommended to take the stairs whenever possible, park the car a little farther away from the store when out shopping, and if possible, take a little walk after every meal. These extra steps will help build up energy and strengthen the immune system.
“Taking the stairs may only burn 10-15 calories every two minutes, but over the course of a month, this can build up to something significant, not to mention the additional benefit of giving your muscles, heart, and lungs a workout.”
An olive a day…
“Eat a handful of olives every day. They act similarly to aspirin in reducing inflammation and artery plaque formation, but they taste way better.”
No matter the color, olives have a wealth of health benefits including having high amounts of vitamin E which reduces oxidative stress and battles cell damage. It is also a good source of vitamin A which is good for bones and skin.
Make everyday activities build muscle
“Stand on one foot while brushing your teeth. Creating instability will engage your core muscles and give your abs a bonus workout!”
Having a strong core is beneficial to overall health and stability. It helps reduce back pain and improves balance which will help make everyday activities easier. This will help with increased daily exercise which will keep the immune system strong.
Drink tea? Try green
“Swap out black tea for green tea. Green tea is bursting with antioxidants that will help prevent cell damage and is naturally low in caffeine, which can increase blood pressure.”
Most teas, with the exception of sugary sweet teas, have healthy benefits. However, green tea has proven to increase brain function, improve heart health, provide cell protection and boost metabolism to help with weight management.
Health goes coconuts!
“Use coconut oil rather than olive oil when frying. Coconut oil has a higher smoke point, the temperature at which potentially toxic compounds form.”
According to Healthline, coconut oil can also be a great source of energy due to its medium-chain triglycerides use, which absorbs quickly into the system. It is important to remember that, like most oils, coconut oil is a high saturated fat and should be used in moderation due to the risks of increased cholesterol.
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First published in 1797, it’s the second oldest almanac in the United States and has been in continuous publication for 230 years and is the only almanack in the United States still published by the founders’ direct descendants.
