The harsh winter weather has a way of perpetuating certain health conditions or tendencies in our bodies. The cold, dry weather sets us up for failure in some ways when it comes to preventing sickness. Below are 5 common health issues you may come across in the winter months, and how to combat them.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
In the winter, it’s normal to spend more time indoors and for activities to slow down a bit. The warm summer days are gone, and people are not out and about as much. This time of year can have a huge effect on our mood. We talked recently about vitamin D deficiencies and their effect on us, and the lack of sun exposure in the winter is certainly a factor here as well. An increase in loneliness, depression and anxiety are the symptoms of SAD. If you’re experiencing increased mood disruptions, try making a plan to keep moving, get sun exposure, and fill your time with activities you enjoy and look forward to.
The Flu
This one is obvious to most of us, we know that the cold weather brings with it flu season. The flu virus is said to be more prominent this time of year because it is most stable in the cold, dry air- and the virus is actually transported by air. Protect yourself from the flu by taking extra precautions to keep your immune system up. Get to bed on time, drink enough water, eat well- and if your system is healthy enough then you could also consider getting a flu shot as an additional preventative measure.
Asthma
Cold, dry air is a worst case scenario for many asthma sufferers. It can lead to an increase in difficulty breathing as the temperatures drop. Additionally, the windier it is the more mold, pollen and other unwanted substances are stirred up. If you are an asthma sufferer, pay attention to what days you have more attacks than others. Write down your symptoms so that you can try to track consistencies in the environment on those days. Once you have identified some triggers, there are weather sources online that report temperature and humidity, as well as pollen and mold counts for your area.
Heart Attacks
Sudden exposure to cold temperatures causes your blood vessels to constrict. At the same time, overheating causes your blood vessels to dilate and your blood pressure to drop. Either of these scenarios combined with physical exertion could lead to a heart attack. Regulate your body temperature by ensuring that you are properly clothed- meaning you are covered up enough that a temperature drop is not a shock to your system. As well as, make sure you are dressing in layers so that if you do get overheated during an activity you can cool down by removing layers.
Cold Sores
Cold sores often rise to the surface with a combination of exposure to cold, wind, and sun. Cold sores are a virus, and just like other viruses anytime your immune system is compromised you are at a higher risk for developing a cold sore. You also need to care for your cold sore the same way you would for another virus- with rest, a healthy diet, and plenty of water. If you have found yourself with a cold sore, you can also try the over the counter treatments sold at the pharmacy.
During these upcoming winter months, work to care for your health and work preventatively with your immune system. Henry Insurance is here to help you with all of your health insurance needs, big and small. Call us today at 225-927-0451 to talk to insurance representative.
