The almost-started winter, along with various joys and good times, also brings with it some health problems that we need to be on the lookout for. Read on to know the health problems commonly seen in winter and what we can do about them.
Bone, joint and body pains – It is known that a drop in temperature leads to an increase in joint and bone pain. This season is especially troublesome for people suffering from arthritis.
Useful tips for preventing/treating joint pain.
- Keep your joints warm.
- Be sure to do light warm-up exercises.
- Massaging painful joints with warm oil can help.
- After consulting with your doctor, adding supplements such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids may help.
- Keep your pain relievers handy.
Respiratory system challenges – Cold weather is known to increase respiratory problems such as asthma, flu, common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis, sore throat and pneumonia.
Useful tips to prevent and fight against them:
- Protect yourself from very cold air/wind by covering your mouth and nose lightly when outside.
- If you have asthma, see your doctor and inform yourself about the medicines you may need and stock them up so they are handy when you need them.
- Flu, flu, sore throat and pneumonia are contagious and can be prevented by following simple measures such as washing your hands regularly and covering your mouth when sneezing/coughing.
- Getting enough rest, regular exercise, a healthy diet and keeping yourself hydrated can help.
- Gargling with warm water and salt can help with a sore throat.
- If you regularly face problems with the respiratory system, you should consider installing a steam machine or nebulizer.
Skin problems in winter – dry itchy skin, chapped lips, flaky skin, cracked feet and pre-existing skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis can flare up due to the dry air in winter.
Useful tips for preventing/coping with winter skin problems:
- Keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized with natural moisturizers.
- For flaky skin, exfoliate then moisturize.
- For chapped lips, lip balms or creams that contain vitamin A and E can help and work best when applied to moist lips.
- For itchy skin, it’s best to avoid prolonged hot showers
- Best of all, woolen clothing is not in direct contact with the skin.
- If you have a pre-existing skin condition, stay away from harsh soaps or chemicals and keep your healing creams ready.
Heart problem in the elderly – if you have seniors at home, now is the season to evaluate them, especially if they already have pre-existing heart or blood vessel problems, as the heart is affected by growth due to a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) during the colder months. heart rate and blood pressure, where the heart has to work harder to keep the body warm.
Helpful Tips for Preventing/Managing Heart Problems/Hypothermia in the Elderly:
- Install thermostats in homes to keep temperatures at a constant, safe temperature.
- Hot water bottles or electric blankets can be used.
- Encourage them to do a little exercise.
- Special steps should be taken to assess their health during cold seasons and they should be encouraged to take their medications on time.
according to
Dr. Afroz Fatima
Links-
https://www.india.com/lifestyle/winter-health-problems-5-common-health-problems-in-winter-and-how-to-prevent-them-2752331/
https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/india/5-most-common-winter-illness-you-must-be-aware-of
https://www.skymetweather.com/content/health-and-food/5-ways-to-enjoy-disease-free-winter/
https://www.onlymyhealth.com/winter-health-problems-1292484682
https://www.quora.com/What-diseases-are-generally-common-in-India-during-the-winter-the-rainy-and-the-summer-seasons-and-how-can-you- prevent them
https://www.indushealthplus.com/common-winter-health-problems.html
https://www.hdfcergo.com/blogs/health-insurance/precautions-to-be-taken-in-winter.html