When the cold comes around, we’re all a bit more mindful of our health, more likely to take it easy and wrap up warm indoors instead of braving the bad weather. However, the change to winter can affect your health in more ways than one, and some of them may surprise you. Here, we’re going to look at the health changes that you should keep an eye out for in winter and what you can do about them.
Respiratory Illnesses
There’s a spike in colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses that comes around in the winter. It’s not due to the cold itself, however, but rather the fact that we tend to gather indoors more often and the decreased humidity of the air. That said, cold temperatures can make your immune system more vulnerable. As such, besides staying up top of your vaccinations and practicing good hygiene, it’s important to do what you can to improve your immune system, such as getting a healthy amount of vitamin C each day.
Hearing Health
The cold air can impact your hearing a lot more than you might assume. Ear infections and blocked ear canals both become a lot more common in the winter, especially if you catch any respiratory illness. Any ear infection can also pose a risk of hearing loss if prolonged. Those who use hearing aids are also susceptible to issues, as moisture from snow, rain, or sweat can build up, and you can see how this connects to potential damage from condensation in your device. Earmuffs or hats can protect both your ears and your hearing aids from wind and moisture.
Joint Pain And Stiffness
A lot of people feel increased joint pain and stiffness during winter. This is especially true for those with arthritis or those who have past injuries that affect the back or their joints. The cold can cause muscles to tighten and circulation to slow, making your joints feel less flexible. Staying active, even with indoor exercises like stretching or yoga, can keep joints mobile. Wearing warm layers, keeping your home comfortably heated, and ensuring you’re getting enough sleep at night can protect your back and joint health, as well.
Mental Health
A lot of people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, due to the reduced sunlight in winter. This is a type of depression linked to seasonal change, which can include symptoms like fatigue, low energy, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. You might notice a lack of motivation or changes in your sleep and appetite. Light therapy tools have proven effective for a lot of people, but taking daily walks and ensuring that you stay socially connected with friends and family can help, as well. A lot of people may dismiss it as “just the winter blues” but the truth is that you can do a lot to combat it.
If you’re feeling any changes to your health in winter, it’s worth taking a little extra precaution, whether it’s staying indoors and avoiding spreading bugs, getting the flu jab, or getting a hearing test just to be sure.
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