Skin, throat and skeletal system: parts of the body that require special protection against the onset of cold – Health

With the arrival of cold wind and dampness, protecting the most exposed and sensitive parts of the body, such as the skin, throat, bones and joints, or hands and feet, is key to avoiding possible illness.

Although autumn started with particularly warm temperatures, the arrival of several storms in Spain caused temperatures to drop dramatically, creating a more sudden change than is typical for this time of year. The problem is that the cold comes so suddenly that the body doesn’t have enough time to adjust to the situation. In this sense, cold can have significant health consequences, affecting the skin, blood vessels, lungs, bones and joints, so it is particularly important to protect the most exposed areas.

Hypothermia can cause changes in the body’s temperature regulation and a decrease in defenses. This poses health risks because the body has to work harder to combat cold temperatures and maintain body temperature. According to the Ministry of Science and Innovation, cold-related mortality rates are higher than heat; in fact, every cold wave is associated with an average of 3.5 more deaths. It is also important to emphasize that the most important effects of cold on health include the development of various respiratory illnesses, such as colds, flu, bronchitis or pneumonia, as well as vasoconstriction, which leads to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients Possibility of seizures or blood clots. And, according to the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC), an American Heart Association (AHA) study showed that lowering temperatures increases the risk of myocardial infarction by 20% and the risk of death from heart failure by 37%.

“Cold weather, especially extremely cold weather, can weaken the immune system’s response, leading to an increase in infectious diseases such as viral and common colds. This time of year, we are often exposed to sudden changes in temperature, which can Affects our health. This condition may aggravate existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, COPD, asthma, or vasculitis. In addition, low temperatures are prone to blood clots and increased blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke and decompensation of pre-existing conditions,” said María Sánchez, eHealth Manager at Cigna Healthcare in Spain.

With the cold, wind and wet coming, Cigna Healthcare offers some tips to protect the most exposed and sensitive parts of the body to avoid possible illness:

· Limbs and head. The extremities of the body (hands and feet) as well as the nose and ears are the areas most susceptible to the effects of cold, so it is important to maintain a good temperature to avoid frostbite and illness due to lowered defenses. Cold can cause reduced blood circulation in the body’s extremities, leading to a drop in body temperature, as well as reduced sensitivity, making it difficult to regulate body temperature. In this sense, it is important to ensure that you are properly warm and protect yourself from wind and moisture by wearing several layers of clothing to prevent body heat loss. This is especially important if you will be exercising outdoors, hats, gloves, thick socks, earmuffs and scarves become essential.

· Throat and respiratory tract. Cold temperatures cause the body’s defenses to decrease, resulting in a decreased ability to fight off viruses and bacteria associated with respiratory illnesses. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to cold can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and foods containing antioxidants can help protect the lungs, skin and cardiovascular system. Vitamins C and E from orange or grapefruit, and green tea or ginger juice help protect the body and strengthen the immune system. Likewise, special attention must be paid to covering parts of the body that are particularly susceptible to the effects of cold, such as the throat and respiratory tract, which are home to the respiratory system’s defense mechanisms.

· Musculoskeletal system. Although there is no evidence that climate affects the causes of rheumatism, cold, rain, and moisture do cause muscle contractions, leading to contractures and muscle disease, and increase pain in people with joint problems. Staying active, avoiding sudden changes in temperature, and wearing warm clothing can help reduce joint pain. At the same time, the risk of falls due to rain or ice also increases this time of year. To avoid more serious injuries, be careful and wear non-slip shoes when going out, especially for more vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those with bone problems.

· Fur. Cold can affect the skin, but the effects are more pronounced for those with atopic or sensitive skin. The dry environment and temperature differences are conducive to dehydration of the skin, resulting in irritation, eczema, inflammation and even dermatitis. In this sense, it is important not to abuse hot water in the shower, moisturize the skin every day, use sunscreen and protect exposed areas by wearing warm clothing. On the other hand, it is important to note that some people are allergic to cold and develop hives when exposed to low temperatures. In this case, in addition to following previous recommendations, it is important to consult a health professional and receive appropriate treatment.