Stay happy and healthy during the cooler months with Healthy Harold

Hello, friends! It’s your tall pal Healthy Harold here, with some cool (or should I say chilly?) tips to help you stay healthy, happy, and full of energy during the colder months.

Have you ever wondered about the seasons and why the weather changes during the year?

It’s all because of the way the Earth moves around the sun. During autumn and winter in Australia, the Earth is tilted so that we get less sunlight and the days are shorter. Even though most of Australia doesn’t get snow, it gets colder and you might feel like snuggling under a warm blanket.

But guess what? Even though it’s colder, winter is still a great time to take care of your health, stay active, and have heaps of fun!

In autumn and winter, some people can get sick with illnesses such as a cold or the flu. When people are sick, germs can spread easily. But you can help your body stay strong by wearing warm clothing such as jumpers, beanies, scarfs, and gloves; washing your hands regularly; covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze; getting enough sleep (your body needs rest to fight off germs!) and eating healthy foods every day

Here are some yummy foods you can enjoy during autumn and winter that help keep your body healthy and help to fight off illness:

Vegetables – Try warm veggie soups with carrots, pumpkin and sweet potato. Roasted veggies are extra tasty too.

Fruits – Winter fruits like oranges, mandarins and kiwis are packed with vitamin C, which helps your body fight off colds.

Grain foods – Wholegrain toast, porridge and brown rice give you energy to run, jump, and play.

Proteins – Chicken, fish, beans and eggs help your muscles stay strong.

Dairy – A glass of warm milk, some yoghurt and fruit, or a cheesy baked potato can be delicious, good for your teeth and provide you with calcium to keep your bones strong.

Did you know it’s World Milk Day on Sunday, 1 June? It’s the perfect time to celebrate the nutritious milk that Aussie dairy farmers deliver fresh every day. Milk is a powerhouse — packed with over 10 essential nutrients, including calcium for strong bones and teeth, plus protein and energy to fuel growing bodies.

It’s important to keep your body moving even when the weather isn’t great. It’s easy to want to stay inside when it’s chilly, but your body still needs to move. Some fun ways to stay active and social might include playing a winter sport like rugby league, AFL, basketball, soccer, or netball; having a dance party in your lounge room; walking the dog, even if it’s just around the block (don’t forget a jacket!).

Did you know there are plenty of fun indoor activities too, like dancing, gymnastics, martial arts or swimming at a heated pool.

Moving your body keeps your heart healthy, your muscles moving, your bones and joints strong and your brain feeling happy.

Taking care of your brain is just as important as looking after your body. On rainy days, try reading a fun book (maybe even one with a giraffe in it), drawing or colouring-in to calm your mind, or practising mindfulness – just sit quietly, breathe slowly and think about the things you’re thankful for.

A couple of final tips from me to help you to stay healthy and well during the cooler months: Dress in layers, so you can stay warm but still move freely.

Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not hot or sweaty – your body still needs it.

Catch up with your friends in person – being with friends and family helps your mood stay bright.

Remember, autumn and winter can be wonderful when you look after your body and your mind. So grab a scarf, eat some yummy veggie soup, and keep bodies moving and smiling!

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