50% of Irish people claim that they are as healthy or healthier in winter than at other times of the year, yet only 9% of Irish people consider winter their favourite season. A new survey, conducted on behalf of Danone Actimel to mark the launch of its Winter Defences Guide, finds that those that love winter said that they exercise more (27%) and eat healthier (17%) in preparation for the season.
Winter-lovers stated that cold crisp weather (33%); crackling fires (23%) and Christmas (21%) were their favourite elements of the season. In contrast, those who responded negatively towards winter were asked why they disliked the fast-approaching season and 65% said it was because they are outdoors less and exercise less.
When asked about colds and flu there was a huge disparity between the sexes as to who is perceived to deal better with winter ailments. 83% of women feel that they deal with a cold or flu better than their male counterparts, while only 37% of men agree with this point of view. Men were more inclined to be diplomatic, with 41% stating that men and women were similar in how they coped. Interestingly, the vast majority of respondents (79%) stated that they ‘carry on regardless’ when they have a cold or flu.
Paula Mee, Nutritionist explains: “To help us stay healthy during the winter months it is important that we look after our diet. What we eat can have a direct influence in supporting our overall health – our immune system in particular needs a gentle support to prepare it for the challenging weather and busier days ahead. As well as traditional preventative techniques such as wrapping up well and washing our hands regularly, we can help ourselves to stay well by making sure we eat a good balance of nutrients from each of the four food groups; wholegrains, antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, low fat dairy with probiotics, and omega 3-rich seafood.”
Jill McCarron, Health Affairs Manager, Danone said: “We want to help people love winter and our research shows that those who get out and enjoy themselves are likely to be healthier and to be more positive about the winter months. Our Actimel Winter Defences Guide is full of tips and ideas on how to help look after yourself this winter. A healthy, active lifestyle, supplemented with a daily probiotic drink, such as Actimel, can help us prepare to love winter.”
Some of the Tips and Guidelines included in the Actimel Winter Defences Guide, include:
- Take exercise and get out more
- Be positive and reduce stress
- Stay warm
- Eat well and keep hydrated
- Sleep well
- Keep hands clean
For more diet and lifestyle tips visit www.actimel.ie
Findings from iReach Consumer Research on behalf of Danone. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18/08/09 – 25/09/09 and involved a survey of 1,000 persons nationwide.