We all know there are foods and behaviors we need to avoid in order to feel healthy. We might lose sleep or get stomach upset if we eat foods with gluten or drink wine. We might mess up our backs if we lift items that are heavy. Similarly, if we spend too much time in the cold, we might experience symptoms of psoriasis, asthma, arthritis and raynaud’s disease. Heidi Godman reports for Harvard Health on how winter exacerbates chronic conditions.
Psoriasis causes your skin to grow quickly, developing red patches as a result of dry skin or excess indoor heat. A virus or strep throat in the winter can also lead to psoriasis.
What can you do to reduce your risk of psoriasis? Don’t spend a lot of time in the shower and avoid using hot water. Humidifiers help, as does a moisturizer on your skin each day immediately after a shower. It’s also helpful to go out into the sun for at least 10 minutes a day, of course, with sunscreen.
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that results from breathing in pollen or pollution. Your lungs inflame and your airways narrow. Cold air is a trigger, causing your airways to tighten. (NB: If you use an inhaler and you have Medicare, your out-of-pocket costs should come down soon.)
What can you do to reduce your risk of asthma? Avoid going outside when it’s super cold. And, before you go out, take a precautionary puff of an inhaler. Wear a mask outside to keep your lungs warm. Avoid being near firepit smoke. And, wash your hands frequently when you are around others.
Raynaud’s disease constricts your blood vessels in cold weather. As a result, your fingers and toes might turn white from lack of blood flow. It can be painful! Raynaud’s disease is particularly common among thin women.
What can you do to reduce your risk of Raynaud’s disease? Don’t go outside in the very cold unless necessary and wear lots of warm clothing, including a hat, coat, gloves. If possible, use foot and hand warmers. The symptoms tend to fade once you’re back in a warm environment.
Arthritis tends to flare up in cold weather, causing joint pain. It’s not clear why, the evidence is scanty.
What can you do to avoid arthritis? Stay warm! Use a heating pad or take a hot shower. Consider wearing a brace on your joint to lower the risk of inflammation. Exercise also can help a lot, reducing inflammation and getting your blood flowing. That should ease your pain. If not, speak to your physician.
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