888-765-5400Combatting Cold Weather – Stay Well even When it’s not Warm
It may be a myth that cold weather actually makes you sick, but it can negatively affect your health nonetheless. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC knows that being prepared and also aware of the potential dangers of cold weather induced health risks can help you stay well even when it’s not all that warm outside. With lower temperatures comes greater potential for all kinds of health issues, from cold and flu, to increased weight gain, indoor allergies, and possibly even depression. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 5-20% of Americans are infected with flu virus each year and 200,000 are hospitalized due to complications, such as pneumonia. Although cold weather won’t give you the flu or even the common cold, Dr. LeeAnna Lyne from Susquehanna Health Medical Group in Pennsylvania explains how cold weather affects our bodies: “Cold weather causes decreased blood flow in the nose, ears, hands, etc., to keep the heart and brain protected. This causes dryness and a decreased ability of the nose to filter pathogens like viruses.” In other words, cold weather may not make you sick, but it makes you more vulnerable to becoming sick and it can also aggravate the symptoms you may already have.
Below are some good tips for staying healthy even in the coldest of temperatures:
1. Practice cleanliness and good hygiene: Sanitize, vaccinate, cover your mouth and wash your hands! Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as these areas are the most susceptible to dangerous pathogens. Also, clean your house regularly with disinfectant and vacuum using a HEPA filter. Wash clothes and bedding regularly.
2. Dress for cold weather conditions: Allowing your body to become too cold can stress your immune system and aggravate existing conditions. Wear a coat and don’t go outside with wet hair. Dressing warmly can help prevent the risk of pneumonia, frostbite and hypothermia.
3. Exercise regularly: Cold, wet and rainy weather is not conducive to exercise, but maintaining a regular exercise routine is imperative. Being stuck inside can create a recipe for weight gain, not to mention muscle atrophy and the lack of energy that accompany inactivity. Staying fit ensures your immune system is ready for the fight should you encounter attacking viruses.
4. Go outside anyway: If at all possible, put on a winter coat and get outdoors. Outdoor activity boosts physical health, not to mention increasing levels of Vitamin-D, reducing stress and improving mental health. It may be chilly outside, but don’t let cold weather keep you from the benefits of being outdoors. A lack of sunshine can trigger a chemical imbalance in the brain, leading to depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
5. Know your limits: Cardiac death rates increase in the cold weather months and though the reasons for this increase are not fully understood, it is believed that the physical effects of colder temperatures along with overexertion may play a key role. Older people and people with preexisting health issues need to understand limits and be willing to ask for help. Even those in optimal health need to take more frequent breaks.
When it comes to staying healthy, colder temperatures require extra precaution. Preventive care maintenance is something Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina takes very seriously, offering preventive care coverage at 100%. For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents. Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.