Cold weather isn’t just chilly—it can be troublesome for those who have health issues that get worse with cold temperatures. Now that winter is properly here, take precautions to protect yourself from the elements, especially if you suffer from any of these conditions:
COPD: Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can definitely worsen with cold weather. Breathing cold air can trigger an attack and make you lose your breath. If you’re going outside in cold weather, covering your nose and mouth with a scarf can help. Breathing through your nose can also help filter the air so it warms and humidifies before it hits your airways. Avoiding the outdoors during particularly cold days can help, as can taking your short-acting inhalers about 20 minutes before going outside. As with all COPD symptoms, keeping warm and active will help.
Raynaud’s: Cold weather is one of the main triggers for Raynaud’s disease (also known as Raynaud’s syndrome or phenomenon), an autoimmune disorder in which spasms in the blood vessels can interrupt blood flow to the fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Exposure to the cold can cause these spasms, which can turn the affected areas white, blue, and then red. Always protect your extremities from the cold with layered clothing, a hat, scarf, and gloves. If your fingers get cold, place your hands under warm (not hot) water to warm them up quickly.
Migraines: Many seniors suffer from these severe headaches. According to research conducted by the New England Center for Headaches, half of migraines are triggered by cold, dry weather, or changes to the weather in general. While you can’t control the air temperature outside, you can keep your living space warm and avoid going outdoors on particularly dry, chilly days. Keeping a headache diary can help people of any age catalog what makes their headaches worse.
Safety First: It can get icy, even in California. Check your footwear for good tread and fitting. Plus, avoid going outside early in the morning or late at night when frost might still be on the ground, or on particularly cold days when ice might form. Make sure you’re well-dressed for cold weather, indoors as well as outdoors. Inspect your heating unit to see if it’s functioning well, and keep blankets easily accessible.
If you take measures to keep warm this winter, the season can be downright cozy. Stay safe, and celebrate the wintry weather by sharing an afternoon of tea or cocoa with friends.
