Some health problems are triggered by cold weather.

During the colder months, there are several health problems that you can blame on the cold temperature.

This week we share some health problems that are triggered by cold weather, and how to help our bodies deal with them.

Colds/Flu 

Cold weather is NOT a direct cause of a cold.  However, the cold virus thrives in colder temperatures, and during cold temperatures, someone with a weak immune system is more susceptible to catching the cold virus.  Also, the increased presence of family members in the closed quarters of the home because of the cold weather outdoors allows for the quick spreading of the virus to others.

You can help prevent colds by washing your hands regularly. This destroys bugs that you may have picked up from touching surfaces used by other people, such as light switches and door handles.

Painful joints

Those with arthritis and other joint ailments are negatively affected by the lowering in the temperature of the environment.  There’s no evidence that changes in the weather cause joint damage, however there is evidence that the drop in Barometric Pressure (the weight of the atmosphere that surrounds us) allows tissues to expand — and those expanded tissues can put pressure on the joint that affect those with joint problems.

Warm baths, daily light exercise and massages can help relieve joint discomfort.

Asthma

Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma should be especially careful in colder weather.

Asthma sufferers should avoid remaining outdoors very cold, windy days. Always keep warm by wearing appropriate clothes and drinking warm beverages. Be extra vigilant about taking your regular medications, and keep rescue inhalers close by and in a warm place.

Migraines/headaches

Many migraine/headache sufferers complain that this condition is triggered by changes in humidity, changes in temperature and extremely dry conditions.  It is believed that headaches triggered by extreme weather are a protective, or defensive, response because they lead the person to seek a more hospitable environment.

To reduce this trigger during cold, be sure to make yourself comfortable.  Avoid prolonged exposure to cold conditions, and wear warm and comfortable clothing.

Heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems

Heart attacks are more common during the cold months.  Your heart has to work harder to maintain body heat when it’s cold.  Low temperatures put stress on the cardiovascular system. These reactions include constriction of blood vessels in the skin, shallow breathing through the mouth, and slight thickening of the blood, all of which can lead indirectly to angina (chest pain) in people with heart disease.  Cold lowers the heart’s supply of blood, while exertion raises the demand for it. This imbalance between supply and demand can also cause attacks of chest pain. Even in people who don’t have heart disease, cold exposure can raise blood pressure.

If you have heart trouble, your doctor can give you advice on how to minimize adverse effects of cold on your heart.  Avoid exposure to the cold and always keep warm by wearing appropriate clothes and drinking warm beverages.

Have you experienced any of these issues during the colder months? How did you deal with it? Let us know!

It is so easy to save to buy a home! Start early!

It is never too early to prepare for the purchase of your own home! Start your home-buying fund today with these simple money saving tips!

 

Small changes that can make a big different. Photo: http://www.monsterpiggybank.com

 

 Spend less on groceries

-Use all the food in your pantry before you buy more.

-Eat a meal or snack before you go to the supermarket; people tend to buy excess food when hungry.

-Always take a list to the supermarket and stick to it!

-Only walk with the money budgeted for your grocery purchase.

 

Save on your electricity bill

-Only run the washer with a full load.

-Turn off your electrical appliances on the wall.

-Buy energy efficient appliances and light bulbs.

-Iron once a week and if you must iron jacket undershirts only iron the front.

 

Shop wisely for clothing

-Always plan your clothing purchases so you only buy what you need or what you will actually wear.

-Select clothes that match several items you already own.

-Extend the useful life of your clothes by learning to mend hems, tears, buttons etc. or you can always get your mum to do it!

-Wait for clearance, holiday or end of season sales to stock up on needed clothing.

 

Give up costly habits

-Reduce the number of times you eat out or cut it completely.

-Go out liming or clubbing less.

-Give up smoking, drinking or your coffee shop ritual.

-Cancel your gym membership and walk to and/or from work instead.

 

Spend less on fuel

-Take the bus on some days or car pool with a friend and share the fuel bill so you both can save.

-Travel light so you will use less fuel. Start by removing all that junk in the trunk!

-Idling burns gas too! Keeping the engine running for more than a minute while the vehicle is stopped wastes more gas than restarting the engine.

-Going in circles around the block looking for parking wastes fuel. Find a place that has abundant parking even if it may be a little distance away, and walk to work. It is a healthy practice.

 

We would love to hear of some of the ways you are saving money!