Just A Thought 9
Winter Blues
Come winters and everyone gets worried about getting the fever, cold and cough which affect the children and adults alike. Those who have bronchial asthma and arthritis also have a tougher time with their condition. These cold dull days are really taxing for these people.
However, few consider the neurological problems resulting from the drop of temperature.
There is a higher tendency of people to develop stroke (paralysis/faalish) during the winters. There is a lack of sunlight and drop of temperature. The resultant shivering that occurs as one steps in the chilly air further dampens all spirits that venture out for exercise. Lack of exercise, as one tends to remain indoors to avoid the shivers, causes negative effects on health including a higher frequency of infections (some of which may be a cause of stroke) and a propensity to gain weight. Depression and lack of vitamin D accompanies the lack of sunlight and reduction of activity as the season “house arrests” most citizens. A reduction of water intake is a common result of the cold weather and this is another significant cause of stroke.
Cold season also affects those who suffer dementia (forgetfulness) like Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to the above factors that result in stroke, disturbance of the normal schedule, a lower quality of sleep and thyroid disorders are also contributory. It has been known that these people do better in summers compared to the winters, and so many people with mild symptoms come to the fore in this season.
People with nerve or muscle related problems like nerve pain, backache, neck pain, tingling and numbness (sunpana) and muscle spasm and pain may also face a worsening of the symptoms during this period. This may have to do with the lack of exercise and mobility or reduction in vitamin D levels. And let us not forget, areas where there is snowfall may result in a slippery groungs leading to a tendency to fall more easily in these people who are already prone to falls.
Depending on the climate where you live, the most effective way to get more sunlight may be to go on vacation.
However, this is not a realistic option for most people.
Immunizations and hand hygiene are important remedies. Stay warm and drink plenty of fluids. It may be a good idea for the grand children to stay home and listen to stories that only their grandparents can tell over cups of hot chocolate, coffee and tea.
Dr Saumya Mittal. MBBS, MD (Medicine), CC (Diabetes Mellitus), DNB (Neurology) more
Come winters and everyone gets worried about getting the fever, cold and cough which affect the children and adults alike. Those who have bronchial asthma and arthritis also have a tougher time with their condition. These cold dull days are really taxing for these people.
However, few consider the neurological problems resulting from the drop of temperature.
There is a higher tendency of people to develop stroke (paralysis/faalish) during the winters. There is a lack of sunlight and drop of temperature. The resultant shivering that occurs as one steps in the chilly air further dampens all spirits that venture out for exercise. Lack of exercise, as one tends to remain indoors to avoid the shivers, causes negative effects on health including a higher frequency of infections (some of which may be a cause of stroke) and a propensity to gain weight. Depression and lack of vitamin D accompanies the lack of sunlight and reduction of activity as the season “house arrests” most citizens. A reduction of water intake is a common result of the cold weather and this is another significant cause of stroke.
Cold season also affects those who suffer dementia (forgetfulness) like Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to the above factors that result in stroke, disturbance of the normal schedule, a lower quality of sleep and thyroid disorders are also contributory. It has been known that these people do better in summers compared to the winters, and so many people with mild symptoms come to the fore in this season.
People with nerve or muscle related problems like nerve pain, backache, neck pain, tingling and numbness (sunpana) and muscle spasm and pain may also face a worsening of the symptoms during this period. This may have to do with the lack of exercise and mobility or reduction in vitamin D levels. And let us not forget, areas where there is snowfall may result in a slippery groungs leading to a tendency to fall more easily in these people who are already prone to falls.
Depending on the climate where you live, the most effective way to get more sunlight may be to go on vacation.
However, this is not a realistic option for most people.
Immunizations and hand hygiene are important remedies. Stay warm and drink plenty of fluids. It may be a good idea for the grand children to stay home and listen to stories that only their grandparents can tell over cups of hot chocolate, coffee and tea.
Dr Saumya Mittal. MBBS, MD (Medicine), CC (Diabetes Mellitus), DNB (Neurology) more
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