Nov. 21, 2024—It's a myth that going out in the cold makes you sick. But winter weather can affect your health—in ways that might surprise you. Here are five winter hazards you might not be aware of, with advice from the experts on how to stay safe.
Winter risk: Dehydration
Good hydration isn't just for summer. In winter, indoor heating can create a drier environment. And your kidneys pass more urine in cold weather, a change you might not notice unless you're sweating.
When you start feeling thirsty, you're already a little dehydrated. Even minor dehydration may make it difficult for you to focus and remember things, and it can affect your mood.
Over the long term, says the American Heart Association (AHA), dehydration is linked to diabetes, inflammation and stiffening of the arteries.
What to do: Drink up in cold weather. According to the AHA, that means about 8 cups of water for most women and about 12 cups for men each day. Avoid liquids that are high in sugar and sodium.
Winter risk: Arthritis pain
Many people with arthritis say winter weather leads to joint pain and stiffness. According to the Arthritis Foundation, that may be due in part to a thickening of synovial fluid, your body's natural joint lubricant. And barometric pressure changes can cause connective tissue and bones to expand and contract, which may put more pressure on your joints.
What to do: Warm up those joints with layers of clothing, thick socks or an electric blanket, advises the Arthritis Foundation.
Winter risk: Migraines
Variations in barometric pressure—which can happen before a storm or a change in temperature—can upset the balance between your sinuses and the pressure in the atmosphere. That can trigger a migraine, warns the American Migraine Foundation.
What to do: If you have migraines, be consistent with your sleep, exercise and diet in the winter to help protect yourself against triggers, says the American Migraine Foundation. Dry indoor air can be a trigger, too, so drink plenty of water and use a humidifier.
Winter risk: Heart attack and stroke
Being physically active outdoors in cold weather can invigorate you. But the cold may be a risk factor for stroke, chest pain, heart attack and heart failure, says the AHA.
Your body saves warmth by constricting blood vessels so that less blood flows to your skin. As a result, your blood pressure increases, which can be dangerous if you have heart disease.
What to do: Don't overdo it in the cold, cautions the AHA. Protect your heart by wearing layers of clothing and a mask or scarf so that you aren't breathing cold air. If you're planning vigorous activity, warm up for several minutes first. Take regular breaks indoors.
Winter risk: Carbon monoxide
It's smart to prepare for power outages in bad weather. But the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that any fuel-burning device can emit poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas. This invisible, odorless gas can kill a person within minutes.
What to do: Install CO alarms on each level of your home and outside sleeping areas. And follow these tips for heating your home safely.
Sources
- American Heart Association. "Are You Drinking Enough Water During Winter Months?" https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/12/19/are-you-drinking-enough-water-during-winter-months.
- American Heart Association. "Heart Health Tips for When the Mercury Dips." https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/12/15/heart-health-tips-for-when-the-mercury-dips.
- American Migraine Foundation. "Seasonal Migraine Triggers." https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/seasonal-migraine.
- Arthritis Foundation. "Best Climate for Arthritis Patients: Humidity's Impact on Your Joints." https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/understanding-pain/best-climate-for-arthritis.
- Arthritis Foundation. "Cold Weather Checklist for People With Arthritis." https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/daily-living/life-hacks-tips/cold-weather-checklist-for-people-with-arthritis.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. "Winter Is Coming, Keep Your Family Safe From Carbon Monoxide and Fires." https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2023/Winter-is-Coming-Keep-Your-Family-Safe-from-Carbon-Monoxide-Poisoning-and-Fires.