The winter storms just can’t seem to take a hint: we’re over it. As snow covers much of the country and temperatures continue to drop—even in notoriously warm states—many folks have found themselves stuck indoors. Unfortunately, colder weather doesn’t just disrupt travel plans; it can also make your body much more vulnerable to sickness. And with flu cases still surging nationwide, everyone wants to know what it takes to stay healthy during winter storms.

Cold, dry air can weaken immune systems, while limited sunlight, less movement, and close indoor quarters all compound against you. But even if you’re snowed in, there are practical steps you can take to protect your health. Men’s Journal spoke with Shirin Peters, M.D., to learn her top strategies for staying healthy during winter storms.

Begin Supportive Remedies Immediately

Peters advises starting supportive remedies at the first sign of symptoms, rather than waiting until you’re already feeling sick. Acting early can help reduce the severity of an illness and shorten how long symptoms linger. Delaying care, on the other hand, often makes recovery slower and more uncomfortable. Supportive remedies may include using zinc or Vitamin C supplements, drinking warm fluids, or starting over-the-counter medications.

“The first sign of a cold is a critical window,” Peters says. “That’s when your body is just starting to respond, and taking action early can help reduce the severity of symptoms and potentially shorten how long you feel sick. Waiting even a day or two can make it harder to get ahead of it, especially during peak cold and flu season.”

Keep Nasal Passages Hydrated

Keeping nasal passages hydrated helps defend against irritation caused by cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat. This might look like running a humidifier, using a saline nasal spray or rinse, and staying hydrated throughout the day. If you own a neti pot, it’s the perfect time to bust it out.

Proper hydration in the nasal passages helps thin mucus, ease sinus pressure, and reduce congestion to support overall sinus health and lower the risk of infection. After all, nobody wants to spend several snow days glued to a box of tissues.

Prioritize Rest and Sleep

With winter storms already disrupting daily routines, it’s the perfect time to double down on rest and quality sleep. Proper rest gives your body the recovery time it needs to support immune function and fight off illness. No need to feel bad about it when everyone is stuck inside, anyway.

Stay Stocked on Medicine

When winter storm have you stuck inside, the last thing you want is to realize you’re out of cold and flu medicine. With pharmacies often closed or picked over during severe weather, having basics on hand saves you an unpleasant trip to the store. Keeping items like pain relievers, decongestants, and throat lozenges on hand can make riding out winter storms more manageable.

Which mountain range is known as the Water Tower of Asia? Discover why the Himalayas hold this title, their glacier systems, river networks, role in agriculture, climate influence, population dependence and interesting facts in this article.

Water is the backbone of life, agriculture, and civilisation. Across Asia, freshwater availability depends heavily on one vast mountain system that stores ice, feeds rivers and sustains billions of people. Because of this unmatched role, one mountain range is globally recognised as the Water Tower of Asia.

Water Tower of Asia

The Himalayas are known as the Water Tower of Asia. This massive mountain range contains the largest concentration of glaciers and permanent snow outside the polar regions. These frozen reserves act as natural water storage systems that release freshwater gradually into rivers throughout the year.

Why Are the Himalayas Called the Water Tower of Asia?

The Himalayas are called the Water Tower of Asia because they function like a giant natural reservoir. Snowfall and glaciers accumulate water over long periods and release it steadily through glacial melt, ensuring a continuous water supply even during dry seasons when rainfall is scarce.

Major Rivers Originating from the Himalayas

Many of Asia’s most important rivers originate from the Himalayan region. These include the Indus, Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Mekong, Salween, and Irrawaddy. These rivers provide drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power across South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Role of Himalayan Glaciers

Himalayan glaciers act as long-term water banks. During summer months, controlled melting supplies water to rivers, preventing sudden shortages. This slow release helps stabilise river flow, reduces drought risk, and supports ecosystems downstream.

Importance for Agriculture and Food Security

River systems fed by the Himalayas irrigate some of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world. The Indo-Gangetic Plain, one of the largest food-producing regions globally, depends heavily on Himalayan water for crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, and pulses.

Impact on Climate and Rainfall

The Himalayas influence Asia’s climate by interacting with monsoon winds. They block cold Central Asian winds and force moisture-laden monsoon winds to rise, resulting in rainfall and snowfall. This cycle continuously replenishes glaciers and river systems.

Interesting Facts About the Water Tower of Asia

Largest Non-Polar Ice Reserve

The Himalayas contain the largest reserve of ice and snow outside the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Thousands of glaciers store freshwater accumulated over centuries, making the region Asia’s most important long-term water source.

Lifeline of Asian Civilisations

Ancient civilisations flourished along rivers fed by the Himalayas. From the Indus Valley to the Gangetic plains, Himalayan water has supported human settlement, agriculture, and cultural development for thousands of years.

Natural Seasonal Water Regulator

Himalayan glaciers regulate river flow by releasing meltwater gradually. This natural regulation ensures water availability during dry seasons and reduces extreme fluctuations between floods and droughts.

Multi-Nation Water Provider

Water from the Himalayas flows through several countries including India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia. This makes the Himalayas geopolitically significant for regional water security.

Highly Sensitive to Climate Change

Himalayan glaciers are extremely sensitive to rising temperatures. Accelerated melting threatens long-term water availability, making glacier conservation critical for Asia’s environmental and economic future.

The Himalayas are known as the Water Tower of Asia because they store vast freshwater reserves in glaciers and snowfields and supply water to Asia’s major rivers. Keep reading for more such topics.

From vibrant neighbourhoods to powerful heritage sites, South Africa lets visitors see how the Rainbow Nation idea plays out in everyday life.

Some nicknames describe landscapes or climate, while others capture something far more human. Travellers often hear the phrase “Rainbow Nation” long before they arrive in the country it describes. The name appears in documentaries, travel blogs and conversations about culture, yet it is much more than a catchy line. It reflects a society shaped by many identities, and a history that still influences its streets, food and everyday life. When you explore the country behind this title, the meaning slowly begins to reveal itself in markets, museums and neighbourhoods. So which nation carries this colourful identity, and why does the name matter to anyone planning a trip there?

South Africa: The Country Which Is Known As The ‘Rainbow Nation’

The nation known as the Rainbow Nation is South Africa. The phrase became widely recognised in the 1990s when Archbishop Desmond Tutu used it to describe the country as it emerged from apartheid. It symbolised the coming together of different communities after decades of segregation. Even today, the nickname continues to shape how travellers understand the mix of languages, traditions and stories that define the country.

Why The Nickname Holds Meaning

The term came at a turning point in South Africa’s history. After 1994, the country was rebuilding itself as an inclusive society. The idea of the Rainbow Nation became a way to describe unity during a difficult transition. For travellers, this background adds context to what you see on the ground, from national monuments to street art and community museums.

A Blend Of Cultures, Languages And Traditions

South Africa officially recognises 11 languages and is home to communities of African, European, Indian and mixed heritage descent. This diversity is not limited to history books. It is visible in cities where multiple languages are spoken in a single neighbourhood and in food traditions that bring together influences from different cultures. Markets, festivals and local music scenes give travellers a glimpse of how these communities live side by side.

Where Travellers Can Experience The Rainbow Nation Spirit

1. Cape Town

Walk through Bo‑Kaap, known for its colourful homes and Cape Malay heritage. Explore neighbourhoods where food, architecture and community life reflect a blend of cultures.

2. Johannesburg

Visit the Apartheid Museum for an honest look at the past. Areas like Maboneng offer a lively mix of art, design studios and local eateries.

3. Durban

Experience a coastal city shaped by Zulu and Indian influences. Durban’s distinct food scene, including the famous bunny chow, tells its own cultural story.

4. Soweto And Other Townships

Guided visits offer insight into community life, local businesses and the roots of South Africa’s modern identity.

Why This Matters To Visitors

Understanding why South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation deepens the travel experience. It explains the country’s cultural richness and the openness with which people discuss history. Travellers often arrive for the scenery and wildlife but leave with a stronger appreciation of the people and stories that shape the nation.

How To Explore Beyond The Usual Highlights

• Visit Robben Island for insight into Nelson Mandela’s life
• Explore multicultural areas such as Bo‑Kaap or Maboneng
• Spend time in heritage museums and community centres
• Attend festivals that showcase regional music, food and craft

The Rainbow Nation is not just a title. It reflects a journey that continues even today. For travellers, it offers more than sightseeing. It creates moments of learning, connection and understanding, making a trip to South Africa feel layered and meaningful.

The tallest buildings in the world have always been symbols of ambition, being engineering feats that reshape city skylines and redefine what’s possible in the built environment. These towers trace a geography of 21st-century ambition, stretching from East Asia to the Gulf and North America. Advances in high-strength concrete, wind-resistant structural systems, and high-speed elevators have made vertical growth more feasible than ever, while mixed-use programming ensures that supertall buildings function as dense urban ecosystems rather than isolated monuments. Observation decks, luxury hotels, offices, residences, and retail now coexist within single structures, drawing both travellers and locals upward. Even as new contenders emerge, the buildings on this list remain defining landmarks of their cities, instantly recognisable on postcards, film backdrops, and flight approaches. For travellers, they offer not just sweeping views but a way to read the aspirations of the places below. Using globally verified height data, this list ranks the tallest buildings in the world by their official architectural height.

Source and methodology

Heights and rankings are based on data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the international authority that standardises skyscraper measurements. Buildings are ranked by architectural height, which includes spires but excludes antennae and temporary structures. Only completed buildings are included.

The tallest buildings in the world

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai: 828m

The undisputed tallest building on Earth since 2010, this needle-like tower dominates Dubai’s skyline and remains the global benchmark for vertical scale. Designed as the centrepiece of Downtown Dubai, it anchors a district of malls, residences, and fountains that helped redefine the city’s global image.

2. Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur: 679m

Completed in 2023, this faceted tower reshaped Kuala Lumpur’s horizon and now stands as the tallest structure in Southeast Asia. Its name references Malaysia’s declaration of independence nearby, tying national symbolism to contemporary architectural ambition.

3. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai: 632m

Defined by its twisting glass façade, Shanghai Tower reflects China’s rapid urban rise and houses offices, hotels, and observation decks within its spiralling form. The aerodynamic design reduces wind load and energy use, signalling a shift toward more sustainable supertall construction.

4. Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Mecca: 601m

Overlooking Islam’s holiest site, this monumental clock-topped tower combines religious significance with supertall scale. Part of a vast pilgrimage complex, it accommodates thousands of worshippers and visitors during peak Hajj seasons.

5. Ping An Finance Center, Shenzhen: 599m

A sleek commercial skyscraper anchoring Shenzhen’s financial district, symbolising the city’s transformation into a global tech hub. Its height and prominence mirror Shenzhen’s rapid evolution from manufacturing zone to innovation powerhouse.

6. Lotte World Tower, Seoul: 555m

Tapering gracefully into the sky, this mixed-use tower blends retail, offices, residences, and one of the world’s highest observation decks. The structure has become a defining landmark of Seoul’s modern skyline and a major draw for visitors.

7. One World Trade Center, New York City: 541m

Rising from the rebuilt World Trade Center site, this tower is both a memorial and a modern landmark on Manhattan’s skyline. Its symbolic height of 1,776 feet references the year of American independence, embedding history within architecture.

8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, Guangzhou: 530m

A vertical city of offices, residences, and a luxury hotel, designed for density and speed with some of the world’s fastest elevators. The tower forms part of a cluster of supertalls redefining Guangzhou’s Pearl River skyline.

9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, Tianjin: 530m

Twin in height to its Guangzhou counterpart, this slender tower anchors Tianjin’s expanding financial core. Its curved glass exterior is engineered to minimise wind resistance while maximising interior efficiency.

10. CITIC Tower, Beijing: 528m

Nicknamed “China Zun” for its vessel-inspired silhouette, this skyscraper blends traditional form with contemporary engineering. It now stands as the tallest building in Beijing, marking the capital’s growing vertical ambitions.