It may not seem so, but winter can affect health in a number of ways. It’s best to be prepared so that you can prevent sickness during these colder months. Keep safe and sickness-free with these winter health tips!

How Winter Affects Your Asthma

Asthma is a medical issue in which the airways tighten, making it challenging to breathe efficiently or at all. And, colder weather can cause asthma flare-ups to happen more often. That’s because cold weather can restrict airways, prompting an asthma attack. Also, colder weather results in an increased number of breaths. This is likely dealt with by breathing through the mouth, instead of the nose. And, as a result, colder air gets placed in the lungs rather than warm air which can lead to pain in the lungs. This pain in the lungs, for someone with asthma, could lead to an attack. During the winter months, if you have asthma, consider taking your inhaler with you wherever you go, especially outside.

Winter and Arthritis Symptoms

This condition involves experiencing inflammation and pain in the joints. Arthritis comes in many forms, but can pretty much affect anyone and any part of the body. If you know anyone who has ever been affected by arthritis or you have arthritis yourself, you know that colder days are more painful. Cold weather makes joints even stiffer. So, to combat this, stretching can help. Also, drinking lots of water and using a humidifier in the home can help greatly with hydration, which is proven to help those with arthritis to experience less painful symptoms, even during the colder months.

Addressing Winter and Heart Health

Colder weather can impact blood vessels and arteries by restricting them. This may be why the rate of heart attack and heart-related deaths happen during winter months. So, if you have been diagnosed with heart disease or have experienced a heart attack in the past, take it easy during the winter months. You don’t want to over-exert yourself. Also, if you find yourself experiencing painful symptoms or any other symptoms of heart disease, talk to your doctor immediately to address if you’re experiencing any further problems.

Depression and Winter Health

According to the National Institutes of Health, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects up to six percent of the population in the United States. Along with those individuals, another 14% of US adults are affected by SAD’s lesser form, commonly referred to as the winter blues. SAD is the same as major depression but individuals are affected by negative consequence of their depression during winter months. To deal with depression which may be affected by winter, talk to your psychologist or psychotherapist about prescription medication which may be right for you. Otherwise, light therapy, vitamin D supplements, and surrounding yourself with support throughout winter months can help you deal with SAD.

Frostbite During Winter Months

If you get freezing weather where you live, you know about frostbite. It’s a skin injury caused by severe weather. To be prepared, know the beginning stages, known as frostnip. This is when the skin starts to redden or even go pale. When you notice these beginning stages, it’s important to seek warmth to prevent further injury. Also, remember to wear clothing which covers your entire body and to not stay out in freezing conditions longer than you need.

Helping You Pay for Winter Health Medications

If you find that you can’t afford the cost of your needed prescriptions this winter, there are outlets for help which may be available to you. One of those options is prescription assistance programs. These programs help to discount or even sometimes completely cover the cost of prescription medications and treatments. Those who qualify have little to no health insurance prescription coverage. If you think you may qualify and could benefit from financial help with prescriptions, contact us at Advocate My Meds today to learn more at 877-596-1604.