Cold comforts
HIT BACK AGAINST WINTER’S DANGERS
★ WINTER can have a big impact on your health. But just how is each part of you affected by the seasons?
Now, with temperatures falling, we’ve put together a handy guide to the conditions that get worse during the chilly season, for each body part.
★ From your brain to chilblains, JAMES MOORE is your guide and offers up some top tips along the way…
1
BRAIN: Reduced sunlight exposure can lead to reduced levels of serotonin, the so-called “happy hormone”, triggering low mood or Seasonal Affective Disorder in one out of three people.
Top tip: Try light therapy, using a light box. See your GP for advice about depression symptoms.
2
HAIR: According to the NHS, cold weather can make dandruff worse by drying out our scalp.
It’s not caused by bad hygiene.
Top tip: Ask your pharmacist about anti-dandruff shampoos which contain special ingredients.
3
EYES: Sensitivity to light, along with a headache, is one of the symptoms of migraines. Low pressure and storms are linked to triggering them and studies suggest they’re more common in winter.
Top tip: Regular bouts? See your GP, who can prescribe stronger painkillers and preventive medicine.
4
NOSE: A runny nose is one of the key symptoms of the common cold. The viruses are more common in the winter months as we tend to pass them on more while spending extra time indoors.
Top tip: Along with the usual remedies try a bowl of chicken soup – it has anti-inflammatory effects.
5
MOUTH: Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, start with a tingling or itching before a blister appears. They tend to break out in winter when skin dries out and the immune system is lower.
Top tip: Avoid kissing and oral sex. See your pharmacist about antiviral creams.
6
THROAT: As we mix more following the Covid pandemic, flu cases are on the rise again this winter. A sore throat along with aches, cough and a sudden high temperature are typical symptoms.
Top tip: Use paracetamol for the fever. Get plenty of rest and fluids. Vitamin D may lower your risk.
7
SKIN: Skin conditions like eczema are often worse in the winter because of dehydration caused by drier, heated indoor air. Acne can be worse too, as can psoriasis – sunlight is linked to easing it.
Top tip: Try and stay well hydrated, drinking around eight to 10 glasses of water a day.
8
HANDS: Raynaud’s phenomenon is caused by poor blood circulation due to the cold. It sees fingers and other extremities change colour and causes pain and numbness.
One in six Brits get it.
Top tip: Wrap up and avoid smoking and caffeine. See a GP about circulation-boosting meds.
9
CHEST: Acid reflux tends to be worse in winter thanks to a combination of rich fare and spending more time in bed or slouching on the sofa.
Top tip: Eat smaller meals more frequently and ask your pharmacist about antacids.
10
LUNGS: Asthma causes breathing problems for more than five million Britons and three-quarters of sufferers say the cold worsens their symptoms. Triggers include viruses, damp air and more mould spores.
Top tip: If you suffer from asthma get a flu vaccination. Check if you are eligible for a free one.
11
HEART: Cold weather tends to increase blood pressure and stress on the heart and there’s a rise of more than 30% in heart attacks in winter compared to summer.
Top tip: If you’re at risk stay warm, heating main rooms to at least 18C. Call 999 if you think you are having a heart attack.
12
TUMMY: Cases of norovirus, known as the winter vomiting bug, are already on the rise. It causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, though usually eases after 48 hours.
Top tip: Wash your hands often to help avoid getting it. Hand gels don’t usually kill it.
13
KNEES: One of the most common joints in which to get arthritis, a disease that causes pain and stiffness. Some 72% of sufferers think winter makes it worse but experts don’t know why.
Top tip: Try not to stop exercising. Think about swapping to swimming in a heated pool.
14
FEET: Chilblains are red, itchy patches that appear on your skin after you’ve been out in the cold and then warm up again too quickly, as the blood rushes back into your toes.
Top tip: Dress properly for the cold, avoid extremes of cold then heat and buy creams to soothe your skin.