Online Reporter
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
OVER the past few weeks, Mutare has been experiencing some of the coldest mornings of the year.
Many of us have found ourselves reaching for an extra jersey before leaving home or delaying that first step out of bed just a little longer. While the cooler weather is a welcome change for some, it also brings a number of health challenges that are worth paying attention to, especially for young children, older adults and people living with chronic medical conditions.
One of the common misconceptions is that cold weather itself causes flu or the common cold. In reality, these illnesses are caused by viruses. However, winter creates the perfect conditions for these viruses to spread. People spend more time indoors with windows and doors closed, making it much easier for infections to pass from one person to another. Schools, offices, churches and public transport often become places where these viruses spread quickly.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat, a persistent cough or body aches, it is advisable to rest, drink plenty of fluids and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or fail to improve. If you are unwell, it is also considerate to avoid close contact with others to reduce the spread of infection.
The cold weather can also make breathing more difficult for people with asthma or other chronic lung conditions. Cold, dry air can irritate the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. People who have asthma should continue taking their prescribed medication and always have their reliever inhaler nearby, particularly when leaving the house early in the morning.
Many people are surprised to learn that winter can also affect the heart. When we are exposed to cold temperatures, our blood vessels become narrower in an effort to conserve body heat. As a result, blood pressure rises and the heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body. This can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in older people and those living with high blood pressure, diabetes or existing heart disease. Winter is definitely not the time to stop taking blood pressure medication simply because you feel well.
Joint pains are another frequent complaint during these colder months. Although the exact reason is still not fully understood, many people living with arthritis notice that their joints become stiffer and more painful when temperatures drop. Gentle exercise, stretching and keeping warm often help to reduce discomfort.
The skin also suffers during winter. Dry air removes moisture from the skin, leading to cracked lips, dry hands and itchy skin. While long, hot showers may feel comforting, they can actually make dryness worse. Using a good moisturiser, avoiding very hot water and drinking enough fluids can help keep the skin healthy throughout the cold season.
One thing many of us forget during winter is to drink enough water. Because we do not feel as thirsty as we do during the hot summer months, it is easy to become mildly dehydrated without realising it. Our bodies still require adequate fluids every day to function properly. Water remains just as important in winter as it is in summer.
As families try to keep warm, there is another danger that deserves attention. Some people bring charcoal braziers indoors or use generators in enclosed spaces. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas, making it impossible to detect without specialised equipment. Early symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness and confusion. Braziers, charcoal stoves and generators should never be used inside homes, garages or poorly ventilated rooms.
Winter can also make it more difficult for people living with diabetes to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Infections such as flu often cause blood glucose to rise, increasing the risk of complications. It is important for diabetic patients to continue taking their medication, monitor their blood sugar regularly when ill and seek medical advice early if they are struggling to control their glucose levels.
Mental wellbeing can also be affected by the colder months. The shorter days, gloomy mornings and reduced outdoor activity can leave some people feeling unusually tired, lacking motivation or simply not themselves. Maintaining regular physical activity, spending time with family and friends and getting outside whenever the sun appears can all have a positive effect on mood.
Young children and older adults deserve special attention during winter because they lose body heat more easily. Dressing in layers rather than one thick garment helps trap warm air and makes it easier to adjust clothing as temperatures change throughout the day. Ensuring that children receive all their routine vaccinations, including the annual influenza vaccine where available and appropriate, also provides important protection during the respiratory virus season.
Fortunately, staying healthy during winter does not require anything complicated. Dress warmly, wash your hands regularly, keep your home well ventilated, eat a balanced diet, stay physically active and continue taking any prescribed medication. If you develop symptoms that are severe, persistent or worrying, do not delay seeking medical attention.
For more on cold weather related health conditions, contact [email protected]
