As temperatures drop in winters, weather-related health problems start to arise. The cold weather brings a number of risks related to your immune system, skin, and heart. Older adults may especially be at risk and should be ready to fight back.
A few impacts of the oncoming winter are listed below:
1. Winters leads to dry eyes
The winter season may result in burning or itching. The symptoms may indicate dry eye which is a condition wherein the eyes don’t produce enough moisture. Options for relief include eye drops on prescription and changes in diet.
2. Winter cracks and skin burns
Winter air can dry out the skin and cause rashes, irritations or winter eczema. One should resort to apply moisture throughout the day.
3. Winters also change eating habits in some people
In the cold season, your body experiences changes in energy level, metabolism and even food preferences. The remedy to this is to track your food and make smart food choices. Including plenty of vegetables in your daily meals can help. Also, we tend to crave chocolates during winters. Try to avoid a steady diet of chocolates and other junk.
4. Winter can lead to rampant illnesses:
Winter can prove dangerous for people who suffer from asthma. In winters, exposure to air pollutants can trigger asthma attacks. It is essential that you limit your outdoor activity if you are suffering from asthma. Also, those suffering from asthma should keep an inhaler close at all times.
Winter can worsen arthritis symptoms during the cold weather, thus increasing swelling in the joints.
Patients with diabetes can have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels during winter.
Winters can also lead to hypothyroidism, diabetes, anorexia, anaemia, etc.
5. Winters can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder:
It is not just the physical health that can be affected by the cold; winter can take a toll on mental health also. Seasonal Affective Disorder due to winter leads to extreme sleepiness, increased appetite, loss of interest, mood changes and withdrawal from social situations.
Being aware of these impacts of winter can help you stay healthy throughout the season. In case any symptom arises, contact your physician at the earliest.