Protecting your health during the cold, winter months
December 18, 2023
The cold, winter months can pose a risk to our physical health – including our immune system, heart, balance, skin, body temperature and more.
Although it has been a mild winter so far, cold weather, snow and ice can be expected to become part of our everyday normal in the Midwest.
Cold weather constricts your blood vessels and if you already suffer from certain conditions this could make that condition worse. Your immune system, heart, skin and potentially your musculoskeletal system are all at risk as we approach winter.
Although it has been a mild winter so far, cold weather, snow and ice can be expected to become part of our everyday normal in the Midwest.
Cold weather constricts your blood vessels and if you already suffer from certain conditions this could make that condition worse. Your immune system, heart, skin and potentially your musculoskeletal system are all at risk as we approach winter.
- Immune system – During winter months, people spend more time inside and in close contact with each other, such as in stores, malls, and restaurants. This means that flu, colds, and other respiratory illnesses are more easily spread.
- What you can do: Stay up to date on all of your vaccinations including flu and COVID-19, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer, stay home if you’re sick, and cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands.
- Heart – Cold weather acts as a vasoconstrictor, which means it narrows blood vessels. This raises the risk of heart attack.
- What you can do: Dress warmly when going out, with a hat, gloves and a warm coat. If you already suffer from heart issues, limit strenuous activity outdoors that may stress your heart, such as shoveling snow.
- Balance – Icy sidewalks can make falling easier, putting you at risk for fractures.
- What you can do: Avoid slippery surfaces if possible. Wear shoes or boots with heavily textured soles that can grip surfaces. Use handrails, even if you feel you don't need one. You can even “walk like a penguin.” end slightly forward and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible.
- Skin – Dry, winter air can deplete moisture from your skin.
- What you can do: Use a moisturizer with an oil base to block evaporation. Shower in lukewarm—not hot—water. Use a humidifier to replenish moisture to the skin's top layer.
- Body temperature – Older adults are at risk for hypothermia, in which the body's internal temperature falls too low. Even prolonged exposure to mild cold can cause it.
- What you can do: Bundle up if you're going outside and be aware of signs that your body isn't handling the cold well, such as stiffness in the neck, arms and legs. Call 911 if you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from hypothermia.
