Cold weather has both negative and positive effects on human health. In the cold days of the winter season; asthma, COPD, heart diseases, respiratory tract infections and facial paralysis are more common. For this reason, moto couriers and taxi drivers who are exposed to the cold while doing their jobs are warned. In addition, the aspects of cold weather that reduce joint pain, tighten the skin, facilitate weight loss and increase happiness should not be overlooked.
Tightens the skin
Due to its edema-solving effect, the pores are tightened and the skin looks healthier. In the long term, it is exercise for the skin muscles. On the other hand, since exposure to cold for a long time will cause skin dryness, those who are in these conditions or those who work should protect their faces and do not neglect to moisturize with oil-based creams.
Accelerates Metabolism, Facilitates Weight Loss
Cold weather also accelerates fat burning as it accelerates metabolism. Therefore, the winter months make it easier to lose weight. However, the need for carbohydrates also increases. In order to lose weight, balance must be maintained and carbohydrate intake must be controlled.
Serotonin Increases, Happiness Increases…
In cold weather, especially after healthy people do light exercise in an area with plenty of oxygen, excess oxygen entering the body also increases serotonin. This makes people feel happy and energetic.
What are the Diseases Triggered by Cold Weather?
As the weather gets colder, there is an increase in upper respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu. Reminding that cold weather poses a risk especially for some diseases, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Internal Medicine specialist shares the statistics that the risk of heart diseases increases 2-3 times in cold weather. In particular, people with occupations that have to work in the open air such as security guards, policemen, soldiers, construction workers, farmers need to be more careful.
Experts, however, list colds that can affect people of every disease and every age group differently, and the diseases triggered by colds as follows…
COPD-Asthma
Cold weather is one of the most important triggers of asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. In winter, with increased air pollution, there is a risk for both asthma and COPD patients. Therefore, it is among the precautions that can be taken for these people to be careful in very cold weather, to take their medications regularly and not to go out if COPD is accompanied by heart disease. If going out, the nose and mouth must be properly covered.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Cold weather poses a risk, especially for infectious diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and tonsillitis. Because viral diseases such as colds and colds are more common, pneumonia can be added to colds and flu in people with weak immune systems. At the beginning of the measures that can be taken are to strengthen the immune system and not to go out in very cold weather. In order to be protected, it will be beneficial to take vitamin D levels and to take supplements under the control of a physician even if they are insufficient, also paying attention to a balanced diet, avoiding excess carbohydrates and sugary products, and increasing protein intake also help strengthen the immune system.
Facial paralysis
Cold air can also increase the risk of facial paralysis by affecting the facial nerves. For this reason, people who are in direct contact with the cold for a long time by having to use vehicles such as taxi drivers and moto courier should pay more attention, the windows should not be opened while on the road, and the face should be protected and covered.
Heart diseases
Due to the spasm and contraction of the vessels, there is an increase in heart attacks, especially in winter. Also, cold air can increase blood pressure and put more strain on the heart; The heart that wants to maintain body temperature can work harder and get tired. Therefore, it is important that heart patients should not leave their homes as much as possible in cold weather or be protected with clothes that will keep them warm.
