Winter Wellness 2026: Preparing for Cold Weather with Your OTC Benefit

Prepare for Winter While Your Q2 Benefit Is Active

Smart OTC benefit users plan ahead. While it may seem early to think about winter in Q2, using part of your current benefit to start building your winter health kit ensures you're ready when cold weather arrives. Many winter health products have long shelf lives and can be purchased now.

Cold and Flu Prevention Kit

• Vitamin C: Start daily vitamin C supplementation before flu season begins. Buy a 90-day supply now and another in Q3 to cover you through winter
• Zinc lozenges: Stock your medicine cabinet with zinc lozenges. When cold symptoms first appear, starting zinc within 24 hours can shorten the cold significantly
• Hand sanitizer multi-pack: Buy a multi-pack now. Place one by every door, in your car, and in your coat pockets before cold season
• Digital thermometer: Ensure you have a working thermometer with fresh batteries. Replace annually to ensure accurate readings

Dry Skin Prevention

• Heavy moisturizer: CeraVe or Eucerin cream in tubs (not bottles) provide the thick moisture barrier winter skin needs. Buy now and store — cream products have 2+ year shelf lives
• Lip balm SPF: Winter sun and cold wind damage lips severely. SPF lip balm protects year-round. Buy several and distribute to coat pockets and bags
• Humidifier: If you don't already have one, buy a cool-mist humidifier now. Running your heating system all winter drops indoor humidity to desert-like levels

Joint Pain Management

• Heating pad: Cold weather stiffens joints and worsens arthritis. An electric heating pad provides targeted relief. Use 20 minutes at a time on stiff joints
• Topical pain relievers: Stock up on Voltaren gel or Biofreeze. You'll use more during cold months when joint pain increases
• Compression gloves: Fingerless compression gloves keep hands warm while improving circulation to arthritic finger joints. Wear while reading, watching TV, or during light activities