Avoiding A Few Common Winter Health Issues

Posted on: 11 October 2018

When the cold weather of the winter months arrives, you will want to be prepared for the various health problems that can be prominent during this time of the year. Fortunately, there are some simple ways that you can help to reduce your risk of suffering from a variety of winter health issues.

Know The Warning Signs Of Frostbite

When a person suffers frostbite, they can experience intense pain. In extreme instances, individuals may lose appendages as a result of the damage that frostbite can cause. Some of the early warning signs of developing this condition are experiencing a burning sensation and skin discoloration. At the first signs of these symptoms, you should seek warmth to avoid worsening the frostbite. When warming the frostbite, it is important to do this gradually to minimize discomfort and the risk of tissue damage.

Stay Active

Individuals will tend to become sedentary during the winter months due to the cold and inhospitable weather outside. However, this can have a number of health consequences for individuals. In addition to the obvious issue of weight gain, those that are sedentary may be at a higher risk of developing mood disorders, blood pressure issues and limited energy. Due to these potential consequences, you should be particularly diligent on getting regular exercise during these months.

Get The Flu Shot Each Year

The flu is another health threat that may arise during the winter months. Individuals will often underestimate the seriousness of the flu, but it can lead to substantial recovery times or even death. While there are flu vaccinations that can greatly reduce the likelihood of your contracting the flu, you may be tempted to avoid getting this shot due to concerns about costs or inconveniences. Luckily, individuals will often have a variety of options for getting this vaccination. Many pharmacies and other health clinics can provide this vaccination to patients, and most insurance policies will cover this yearly vaccination. If your insurance does not cover the flu vaccination, many clinics will offer it for a relatively modest fee.

Protect Your Skin

There are a number of skin problems that individuals may experience during the winter months. This is often the result of the air becoming extremely dry as it cools. Using moisturizers may provide some relief, but it can lead to acne for some individuals. Another option may be to use a humidifier to return moisture to the air in your room. If these steps do not provide relief, you may need to consult with your doctor as there may be ointments or other medications that you can utilize. 

Contact a primary care physician for more help.

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