5 Cold-weather Health Hazards, And How To Stay Safe

Not even a month in winter, we are well experiencing its cold winds and low temperatures. While winter as a season can be very pleasant, but it also brings with it not-so-pleasant dangers. Frigid temperatures can be the cause of various illness and injury. The section which is most vulnerable to winter sickness are the young children, older adults and those who are chronically ill. Here are some  top cold-weather dangers to be aware of, and some smart ways to protect yourself and your family.

Hypothermia – Hypothermia happens when your body temperature falls to 95 degrees F(35 degrees C) or less. While anyone can be affected by Hypothermia, the part of the population who gets mostly affected by it are the olderly people since their bodies often do not adjust to changes in temperature quickly and they may be unaware that they are gradually getting colder. Some symptoms of hypothermia are, you will first feel cold, shiver and seem socially withdrawn. As the condition worsens, you can become confused, sleepy and slur your speech. In the advanced stage, the heart can slow down dangerously. To prevent Hypothermia, wear warm multilayered clothing with good hand and feet protection. If you notice symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If medical attention is unavailable, remove any clothing that is wet, wrap the body with warm clothes and blanket, drink warm beverages(not alcoholic beverages). Also do not take hot shower or bath, as this may cause shock.

Colds and Flu -  Although colds and flu can occur anytime, but, they are more prevalent during winter. Cold temperatures can actually lead to a cold by limiting the supply of infection-fighting white blood cells in the nasal passage, where cold viruses most often enter the body. Flu virus is more stable and stays in the air longer when the air is cold and dry. It is often difficult to know whether you have a cold or a flu, because the symptoms of both are similar. At the onset of cold, you may feel a dry, scratchy sore throat, sneezing, a headache, runny nose with watery mucus, watery eyes, chills and a fever. Symptoms at a later stage include, blocked nose, sinus pain, a cough that keeps you awake at night, muscle aches and pains, tiredness and loss of appetite. There's no cure for a cold, but taking cold medicines may help lessen your symptoms while your body fights off the virus. For flu, a flu shot will help your body fight off the flu virus, but if you already have the virus, the CDC recommends zanamivir(Relenza), an inhaled drug, for treating seasonal flu or a combination of oseltamivir and rimantadine.

Frostbite – Loss of feeling and colour  in the affected areas such as nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes are the symptoms of frostbite. Signs of frostbite include reduced blood flow to hands and feet(fingers or toes can freeze), numbness, tingling or stinging, aching,  and bluish or pail, waxy skin. Frostbite can permanently damage body tissue, and severe cases can lead to amputation. In extremely cold temperatures, the risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and when people are not dressed properly. To prevent frostbite, wear warm clothes and dress in layers if you plan to be outdoors, and keep dry. Get into a warm room as soon as you notice the signs of frostbite. Immerse the affected area in warm water and remember to avoid rubbing or massaging the frostbitten area. And do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace or radiator for warming, since affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

Depression – Some people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that usually occurs during the cold-weather months. Some symptoms are similar to those of normal depression like sadness, fatigue, excessive sleepiness, social withdrawal, and trouble concentrating. People with SAD also tend to move slowly, crave carbohydrates, and gain weight. 1 hr. of morning aerobic exercise in the morning might bring some relief. For more persistent cases, talk to your doctor about therapies, including light therapy and antidepressants. Other treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy where you learn to waive off negative thoughts about the season and work on finding enjoyable activities.

Heart Attacks – Did you know heart attacks are more common in winter? This is because cold snaps increase blood pressure and put more strain on the heart. Also, your heart needs to work harder to maintain body heat when it's cold. Some common signs of heart attack are chest pain(though not always), shortness of breath, sudden fatigue or dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, blue tinge to your skin. Bundle up outside and take it easy when exerting yourself in the cold to prevent a heart attack. If you are affected by the symptoms mentioned above, don't ignore, immediately consult your physician.