Winter in Madison and Huntsville is in full swing, and there’s still plenty of time to strengthen your health habits before spring arrives. Whether you’ve kept up with your wellness routine or need a fresh start, the next few weeks offer perfect opportunities to boost your immune system, stay active, and tap into local resources that keep you feeling strong.

Keep Cold and Flu Season at Bay

We’re right in the middle of peak cold and flu season in Alabama, which typically runs through March. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, it’s not too late. Beyond that, these daily habits make a real difference:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially before eating

  • Clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and phones

  • Stay home when sick to recover faster and avoid spreading illness

  • Keep your distance from anyone showing symptoms

Your immune system needs proper fuel to fight off winter bugs. Loading up on vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, bell peppers, and broccoli gives your body natural defense power. Add in sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and garlic for extra protection.

Don’t Forget Your Water Bottle

Dry winter air strips moisture from your body faster than you realize, especially with heaters running constantly indoors. Many people feel less thirsty in cold weather, but your hydration needs haven’t changed.

Hot herbal teas, bone broths, and vegetable soups all help keep you hydrated. Add fresh ginger or lemon to warm water for flavor and extra immune support. If you’re exercising outdoors, drink water before, during, and after, since cold temperatures increase fluid loss through breathing.

Move Your Body Before Spring Arrives

Huntsville Parks & Recreation offers more than 100 free weekly activities, including walking groups, strength classes, and basketball games at recreation centers across town. But when the weather keeps you inside, Madison and Huntsville have fitness centers designed for every schedule.

RedX Fitness in Madison provides members with 24/7 access to state-of-the-art cardio equipment, strength-training, and functional-training spaces. Their Les Mills group classes keep workouts fresh with changing routines. The gym features personal trainers, weight-loss programs, locker rooms with showers, and saunas, perfect for post-workout recovery during the cold months.

Right in the same complex, Sweat440 offers HIIT-focused workouts that start every 10 minutes. You’re never late because you can jump into whichever start time works for you. The 40-minute class combines high-intensity interval training, cross-training, and strength exercises designed to burn up to 800 calories per session. Sweat440 also has a location on Memorial Parkway in Huntsville, bringing the same convenient format to both cities.

For outdoor lovers, catch the last few weeks of Dog Days at Huntsville Botanical Garden through the end of February. Even 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity helps maintain energy levels and manage stress.

Want more fitness inspiration? Browse additional active living tips for North Alabama.

Take Advantage of Local Health Resources

Madison offers free health screenings through Huntsville Hospital at the Senior Center on February 25 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. These screenings identify potential issues early and provide baseline metrics to track throughout the year.

The City of Huntsville Health & Wellness Center offers community members no-cost access to routine bloodwork, immunizations, chronic disease management, and wellness coaching. Their targeted programs help manage heart disease, diabetes, and weight through education and personalized support. HEALS Inc. delivers school-based primary care, including medical, dental, and vision services for children throughout Madison County.

Finish Winter Strong

You don’t need a complete overhaul to improve your health over the next few weeks. Start with one or two changes that feel doable. Drink more water, add colorful vegetables to your meals, take a 20-minute walk during lunch, or check out a class at RedX Fitness or Sweat440. Small, consistent actions build momentum.

Take advantage of the free health screenings and community programs happening right now in Madison and Huntsville. Make these final winter weeks count by staying active, eating foods that support your immune system, and connecting with the wellness resources in your own backyard. You’ve got this.

 

 

Sources: rocketcitytimes.com, huntsvilleal.gov, uabstvincents.org, alabamapublichealth.gov, guenergy.com, madisonal.gov, choosehuntsville.com
Header Image Source: Dmitriy Frantsev on Unsplash