November 29th

By Mutt Mulligan

Fight flu season by getting outside?

Boosting your immune system is one of the best ways to keep healthy during cold and flu season. And despite the old wives’ tale that going outside during cold weather can make you “catch” a cold, spending time outdoors is actually one of the best things you can do to prevent getting sick.

TurfMutt knows getting outside, even when it’s cold, is good for your health.

According to Dr. D.J. Verret, an otolaryngologist in Dallas, “Actually being cold has nothing to do with your risk of catching a cold. Colds are caused by viruses or bacteria which are more often spread in the winter because of close contact from everyone being indoors.”

Scientists have uncovered a wealth of other reasons that getting outside is good for your health, not just doing flu season, but all throughout the year. Here are a few of the interesting facts. Click here to learn more about the health benefits of nature.

• Exercising outdoors can actually offer more health and mood benefits than exercising inside.
• Hospital patients with views of trees in their rooms had much shorter stays in the hospital after an operation than those who had views of brick walls.
• According to Dr. Richard J. Jackson, former director of the National Center of Environmental Health, people who live in communities that are “walkable,” have bike trails nearby and are near parks and green spaces have higher levels of health than those without these amenities

Do you need some inspiration to get your family out of the house this winter? Read TurfMutt’s Family Activities Guide for ideas.