As we await the wintery mornings to set in and enjoy the cold weather let us not forget the repercussions of winter. To enjoy this weather at the fullest and in good health some health precautions are needed. During winters, the body heat usually experiences a drop as the environment cools. At the body is adjusting to the new climate, this change is demonstrated through a number of diseases.
Let’s take a look at some common winter woes:
1. Common cold – The direct result of the loss of body heat due to an obvious drop in the temperatures leads to cold. However, one is more likely to catch cold even one keeps switching over warm and cool environment owing to air conditioners. It’s important to keep ACs at an even temperature during winter. Prevent this infection by washing your hands regularly.
2. Flu – Shield yourself from chilly winds, wear warm clothes. This illness is airborne and hence beyond a point there is no control over it.
3. Itchy skin – A lot of derm-sensitive people develop itchy skin during winter. Keep your skin moisturized with petroleum jelly, coconut oil or almond oil regularly.
4. Headache – Cold winds can sometimes play havoc on your head. Hence, shield yourself with a warm muffler or scarf.
5. Sore throat – They are common in winter and are usually caused by viral infections. Gargle with warm salty water, it really helps in soothing the throat due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Asthma – Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma should be especially careful in winter, be regular with your medicines and keep reliever inhalers close by.
7. Painful joints – Many people with arthritis experience painful and stiff joints in winter. Daily exercise can boost a person’s mental and physical state and thus overall health.
8. Heart attacks – Heart attacks are more common in winter. This may be because cold weather increases blood pressure and puts more strain on the heart. Your heart also has to work harder to maintain body heat when it’s cold. Stay warm.
The winters are not only taxing for elders, kids also suffer. Children have low immunity and hence are easily affected by winter. Here are common winter illnesses amongst children:
1. Bronchiolitis – Bronchiolitis is a common viral respiratory infection in young children. It is most frequently seen in children less than 12 months old. Symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, low-grade fevers, and wheezing.
2. Influenza – Influenza is more commonly known as “the Flu”. It usually comes on quickly with high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches and pains. The fever often lasts up to 5 days.
3. Pneumonia – Unlike the other common winter illness, pneumonia is often caused by a bacterial infection. It can present in many different ways. Sometimes it starts as a cold that just continues to worsen. If your child has had a cold for several days and suddenly develops a high fever and worsening cough, this could be a sign of pneumonia and you should seek medical help.
4. Tonsil Infection – It causes irritation of the throat, pain in the throat, enlarged tonsils and the child is unable to gulp food or liquids. Eating anything cold may trigger this or even a virus or bacteria in the air can cause it. Avoid feeding your child anything cold when the weather is cold.
5.Acute Ear Infection – This leads to ear pain, blocked ears, itchy Ears. Excessive cold may result into an acute ear infection. Another cause of bacterial ear infection is due to moisture in the ear. A ear infection can occur even overnight, so it is best to identify it at the earliest.
6. Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis) – Infected water and food and unclean hands may cause this. Some symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhoea, excessive flatulence, vomiting, and fever. Make sure the child is well hydrated with a lot of liquids.
Stay healthy this festive season with our winter tips. Eat freshly cooked food preferably warm and choose immunity boosting vegetables to fight off small colds and coughs.
