It’s January and once again we are tasting the winter chill in Southwestern Ontario. The cold brings its usual health challenges, many of which are worth remembering, as well as some lesser-known potential perils.
Let’s start with some common health issues:
Viral infections, asthma & heart attacks
Contrary to popular belief, cold weather itself doesn’t make you sick. What it does however is force everybody indoors, where heating is provided, and air is dry. These create favourable conditions for the flu virus to spread. Washing your hands and getting the flu shot can protect you against the bug. On the other hand, freezing temperatures are a common trigger for asthma, and patients should avoid breathing in cold and dry air. And for those who are prone to heart conditions, vigorous activity in the cold can increase the risk of a heart attack and should be avoided.
Weight gain
Winter is the season for wholesome celebrations and delicious food, but it also coincides with a time when everybody works out less. The answer for this is to simply exercise for 30 minutes where you can, several times a week, to maintain your weight. Watch out – when the time comes Santa knows if you’ve been naughty or nice!
Meanwhile, you should also keep an eye out for some less obvious risks winter can bring:
Chilblains (Pernio)
Painful, red or purple spots or bumps that appear on the toes, fingers, ears, or nose as a reaction to cold or damp conditions, Chilblains develop when the small blood vessels near the surface of the skin constrict. When we warm up the blood vessels re-expand too rapidly leading to inflammation.
Symptoms include pain and itching, swelling, blisters, dry or cracked skin.
Mild Hypothermia
It can develop in temperatures even as high as 10–15°C, especially when a person is wet, tired, or exposed to wind. Wind chill or wet clothing (like from rain or sweat), can make it easier for heat to escape from the body, prolonged exposure to damp or cool weather, exhaustion or dehydration and inadequate clothing can all lead to hypothermic symptoms.
Symptoms include shivering, numbness or tingling (a sensation of cold or “pins and needles” feet and hands), fatigue or weakness, slurred speech, slowed movement, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion or poor judgment, cold and pale skin.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots
In winter, your blood can be thicker and stickier making you more susceptible to clots. The cold weather can also narrow blood vessels in your periphery, which can cause the blood pressure to go up increasing the risk for a stroke or clot to happen. If you are going out into the cold bundle up well to keep warm and keep the blood moving.
In conclusion, a little awareness and preparation can keep you safe. Protect your heart, stay active, take simple precautions (like dressing warmly), stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion. So, embrace the chill—just do it with caution!
By: Diane Alavie, BSc.Phm.
