The weather has become extremely unpredictable and full of surprises. In the past few weeks, the city has witnessed acute climatic fluctuations that shift from extremely hot and sunny afternoon to cool and pleasant evenings. In the midst of these climatic variations, what’s undeniable is the fact that winter is soon approaching. Even though you may feel like chilling out & enjoying the weather during the colder months, make sure you do not neglect your health in the process. Protect yourself from potential winter health hazards
- As the cold weather sets in, people suffering from upper and lower respiratory problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma endure a lot of discomfort which often leads to medical emergencies. Keeping the body warm during winter months is therefore extremely important.Tip – Cover-up your body the moment you feel cold. Don’t wait till you start shivering. It is recommended to wear, gloves, socks, scarves, woolen hat and/or anything that keeps your body warm & comfortable.
Winter has long been associated with sickness. Experts advise people to get their routine vaccinations and periodic tests in order to diagnose a viral infection or any other winter ailment that’s about to strike. - Seasonal changes are accompanied with several bacterial infections to which the elderly and children are highly susceptible. In addition to lazy mornings and blanket hideouts, winter also brings with it an array of diseases which can be prevented with a healthy immune system.Tip – Fill-up your grocery bag with lots of fresh fruits & veggies, especially those that are rich in Vitamin A, C & E. A strong immune system, safeguards the body from a host of winter ailments
- In cold weather, the body circulates less blood to the peripheral areas in order to conserve warm blood around the heart. This leads to stiffening of joints, thereby resulting in aches & pains. Osteoarthritis patients with Vitamin D deficiency also have an extremely hard time during wintry months.Tip – Vitamin D plays an important role in the production of cartilage and helps the body absorb calcium, thereby strengthening the bones. During winter, it is less likely to get sufficient amounts of vitamin D from the natural environment hence follow a Vitamin D rich diet. You can also count on Vitamin D supplements
- Also known as the winter vomiting bug, Norovirus is an extremely infectious stomach bug that is known to be very active in cold weather. Young children and the senior citizens are at a high riskTip – Constant vomiting and diarrhea increases the risk of dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and rest sufficiently
- Heart attacks seem to be very common during the winter months because cold snaps increase blood pressure and put more strain on the heart.Tip – Keep your body warm as much as you can
- Harsh winter winds can be devastating for your skin, making it dull, dry & cracked.Tip – Do not forget to moisturize your skin on a daily basis. The best time to apply a moisturizer is after a bath while the skin is still moist. It is best to avoid bathing with extremely hot water as doing so can take away the natural moisturizers from the skin.
