Home Health to Joint Pain, 6 Common Winter Woes to Stay Away From And How?
As winter arrives, it brings with it a plethora of cozy moments like sweaters, hot chocolate, and Halloween. However, along with these wintertime hijinks, there are also some health challenges that we need to be mindful of. From heart attacks to depression, coughing, and asthma, there are a number of illnesses and ailments that tend to strike during the cold season.
To ensure a healthy winter, it is important to avoid specific situations and take preventive measures. Let’s take a look at the top 6 common health problems that you should stay away from and how you can protect yourself:
1. Cold Flu: During winter, people tend to stay indoors more often, and the limited sunlight reduces our body’s ability to generate vitamin D, weakening our defense system. In addition, the influenza virus thrives better in cold temperatures. To avoid catching the flu, it is important to consume immune-boosting foods like blueberries, broccoli, ginger, and spinach. Flu antiviral drugs can also be helpful, along with practicing good health habits.
2. Joint Pain: Cold temperatures in winter are a major cause of joint discomfort. The low temperatures can lead to muscular spasms, aggravating our joints and causing stiffness. The sensitivity of our body’s pain receptors increases during winter, intensifying our suffering. Vitamin D levels can drop due to reduced sun exposure, which can be harmful to our bones and joints. Taking supplements or spending time in the winter sun can help alleviate this problem.
3. Asthma: Winter brings an increase in airborne allergens, making it a trigger for asthma. Dry and windy air carries pollen, which worsens asthma symptoms. The dry and cold air can irritate the airways, leading to spasms in the respiratory muscles and asthma attacks. It is important to keep your inhaler handy and practice breathing exercises to manage asthma symptoms during winter.
4. Heart Health: The drop in body temperature during winter, known as hypothermia, poses a greater risk for the elderly population. The cold weather puts a strain on the heart, leading to an elevated heart rate and blood pressure as the body works harder to maintain its temperature. These changes increase the chances of developing blood clots or vascular thickening, which can result in heart attacks and strokes. It is important for the elderly to stay warm and monitor their cardiovascular health during winter.
5. Dry Skin: Dry skin is a common problem during winter due to the drop in humidity levels. The cold weather causes our skin to lose moisture quickly, resulting in dryness, itchiness, and cracks. Using moisturizers and avoiding harsh soaps and detergents can help alleviate the condition. Using indoor room humidifiers can also prevent dry skin and its complications.
6. Strep Throat: Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes severe throat pain and fever. It is more common among children. The symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, headaches, and difficulty or pain while swallowing. To protect yourself from strep throat, avoid close contact with infected individuals, wash your hands frequently, and maintain good oral hygiene.
To protect yourself from these winter woes, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, fiber, and minimal saturated fats can boost your immune system. Staying hydrated is crucial, as the dry air in winter can cause dehydration and make you feel tired and achy. Engaging in physical activity and regular exercise can strengthen your immune system and reduce the chances of catching colds and flu. Make sure to get some sunlight, as reduced exposure to sunshine can contribute to seasonal affective disorder and depression symptoms. Lastly, immunization is recommended for high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma.
As winter approaches, it is important to be proactive and take measures to protect our health. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, and practicing good hygiene, we can have a safe and enjoyable winter season.