As the temperature becomes colder in most parts of the world, one must adequately adjust to frost, snow, and cold. With temperatures dropping as low as -13°F in places like Alaska, adapting might to this weather condition might be tasking as one begins to be wary of the possible health effects it can cause.
Although the human body was not designed to live in cold and polar regions, it has developed several mechanisms to defend itself from cold. Such mechanisms include goosebumps, an evolutionary trait caused by the brain to regulate the body’s temperature and keep vital organs warm until external warmth can be provided.
With a wide range of immune systems and defense mechanisms present in the world, there are different effects (positive and negative) of cold weather on one’s health. AFC Urgent Care North Bergen can treat all urgent medical needs, including most illnesses. Visit our urgent care center today for treatment.
Cold Weather Health Risks
Recent studies and statistics show that the rate of work accidents increased drastically during cold weather. There has been a 5% increase in the number of deaths during cold weather in countries like Spain, and the affected age range is between 55 years and above. Undoubtedly, the cold weathers bring not just snow but a high death rate, increased accidental risks, and sickness. Several cold weather risks include:
●Frostbites:
Frostbite is one of the many cold-weather risks that happen to the skin. It is the result of extreme cold temperature on parts of the body using toes and fingers, causing immobility, blisters, and extreme discoloration. Frostbite can give rise to other life-threatening skin conditions like tetanus, which is very rare but can cause you to lose the affected body part if left untreated.
●Increased cardiovascular attacks:
The cold weather increases the chances of heart attacks in individuals with preexisting heart conditions. This is because the heart works twice, as usual, to circulate warm blood to and from the heart.
Cold Weather Health Benefits
Although the cold weather has its risks, one can enjoy some health benefits. These benefits include:
●Reduced chances of diseases:
Summer (hot weather) promotes diseases and disease-causing agents as it offers a fair environment for their growth. However, the cold weather limits their activities, forcing them to go back into hibernation. This then drops the rate of sickness as opposed to winter.
●Burns calories:
Do you know winter promotes the depletion of calories as the internal organs are forced to work twice as hard to keep the body at optimal temperature? The organs consume more energy (calorie) than usual as their rate of activity has been doubled. Hence, the cold weather promotes weight loss.
●Reduced allergy attacks:
For individuals with outdoor allergies (especially pollens), cold weather is advantageous. In winter, pollens are nonexistent, allowing you to breathe free and reduce your attacks.
