Folks living in the northern hemisphere will undoubtedly perceive this time of year as a health threat. Quite understandably, when it comes to the reason for ill health occurring, a shadowy finger of strong suspicion points to cold weather and shorter daylight hours as the culprits. Indeed, both factors are very capable of giving rise to those winter blues in countless numbers of individuals.

While many with colds and flu's reach out for those tablets and tonics another group of sufferers may find their situation a more problematical one: During winter, if you get frequent bouts of.

► Tiredness ► Fatigue

► Mood swings ► Sleepiness

► Irritability ► Abnormal food cravings

► Sadness ► A low sex drive

► Tenseness ► Trouble staying focussed

► Increased appetite ► Restlessness

Then you may well be suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) a form of depression caused by a lack of daylight hours during winter. A milder form of this is a feeling of being down in the dumps. There is, indeed, no doubt that many are affected. For example, around 14 million Americans are found to have SAD. The milder version, feeling down in the dumps, affects about 25 million Americans. The long dark hours give rise to a higher level of the hormone melatonin, which can affect mood. It is said that this is caused by a disturbance in the sleep cycle.

First, before handling SAD or down in the dumps, let's look at the cure for the common cold.

This answer is this. Just as you feel your cold coming; that ickle-tickle at the back of the throat...then it is time to start taking high dose levels of vitamin C. Some have tried to discredit this, saying that vitamin C treatment doesn't work. It definitely works and the only reason why there are those who have found it unsuccessful is because they haven't used a high enough dosage. The exact amounts of vitamin C needed and when to use it can be found on www.vitamincfoundation.org/surefire.htm the webpage entitled ''Surefire Cures for the Common Cold or Flu.'' I've tried it and it's worked well for me. Even if you already have a cold, high dosing on vitamin C can still be very effective in reversing the ailment. Some advice I can give here. When you buy vitamin C, make sure that it contains bioflavanoids. This is the vitamin C complex and is more effective.

For blowing those shorter daylight hours winter blues away there are some very effective methods of prevention.

Get more sunshine

-Take advantage of the precious sunlight hours, even though they may be relatively short. Make the habit of going for some nice walks. Having the sunshine on you allows vitamin D production, which gives rise to higher levels of serotonin, the feel-good factor hormone and reduces levels of melatonin.

Use full spectrum lighting fixtures in the house

Mark Golding suffered from SAD and decided to do something about it by forming his own company, which specialises in supplying this non-invasive type of lighting therapy product. Care of this form of lighting that fully mimics daylight, he now doesn't suffer. His product is very effective, cheap and energy efficient and he can be contacted at www.britebox.co.uk

Get well supplied with vitamin D

A lack of sunlight can mean a lack of vitamin D. Food sources rich in vitamin D include: Fish oils such as cod liver oil and flaxseed oils. Both are rich in the important nutrient omega-3 fats.

Be careful with your diet

Eat good organic, natural food. Try to each less starchy grainy food.

All in all, whether it is colds and flu, SAD or feeling down in the dumps, this indicates that many people are suffering needlessly.