|
Contents
Image: Thinkstock |
Your immune system, skin, balance and heart could also be in danger.
At risk: the immune system
During the winter months, people spend more time indoors and in close contact with one another, comparable to in stores, malls, and restaurants. This signifies that flu, coughs and colds spread more easily.
what are you able to do: “Get a flu shot, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer, and cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands,” says Dr. Salmon.
At risk: heart
Cold weather acts as a vasoconstrictor, which suggests it narrows the blood vessels. This increases the chance of heart attack.
what are you able to do: Dress warmly when going outside, with a hat, gloves and a warm coat. Avoid vigorous outdoor activities that stress your heart, comparable to shoveling snow.
At stake: balance
Icy sidewalks could make it easier to fall, putting you in danger for fractures.
what are you able to do: Avoid slippery surfaces if possible. Wear shoes or boots with heavy textured soles that may grip surfaces. Use a handrail, even for those who think you don't need one.
In Danger: Vol
Dry winter air can suck the moisture out of your skin.
what are you able to do: Use an oil-based moisturizer to stop evaporation. Bathe in lukewarm — not hot — water. Use a humidifier to replenish moisture in the highest layer of skin.
At risk: body temperature
Older adults are prone to hypothermia, during which the body's core temperature drops too low. “Prolonged exposure to mild cold can also cause it,” says Dr. Salmon.
what are you able to do: Bundle up for those who're going outside, and pay attention to signs that your body isn't handling the cold well, comparable to a stiff neck, legs and arms. Call 911 for those who suspect you or someone you already know is affected by hypothermia.