Christmas is upon us, a time of joy, celebration and community, but as the winter season approaches, the drop in temperature can lead to a variety of health problems due to factors such as less sunlight and more time spent indoors. These factors can weaken the body’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to congestion, coughs, flu, pneumonia, and respiratory problems.
Winter can increase your chances of getting sick. Strengthening the immune system becomes very important in winter to fight against various health problems. You can even get a flu and pneumonia shot to improve your health. “People who are at greater risk of developing these diseases, such as people with chronic conditions, children and the elderly, should get vaccinated immediately. The risk of respiratory problems like cough and bronchitis can worsen in winter due to various factors like cold air and temperature,” says Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.
Tips on how to strengthen immunity and stay healthy in winter
Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather to keep you warm and cozy. Individuals are encouraged to eat foods known to boost their immunity, such as ginger, turmeric or garlic. According to Dr. Anuj Thomas, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Mother Hospital, Khargarh, Mumbai, “Women need to be careful in winter as it can increase the risk of various health problems like UTI (urinary tract infection). It can mainly be caused by insufficient water consumption and reduced immunity.’
Addressing this particular issue can be frustrating as it can cause physical discomfort. “Over time, women may develop symptoms such as burning during urination, pelvic pain, rashes, back pain, and frequent urination. Menstrual cramps can also be worse in the winter, which highlights the importance of staying safe,” adds Dr. Thomas.
Therefore, they are advised to take good care of their health by maintaining good hygiene, keeping warm, eating healthy food and wearing breathable clothing.
Stay hydrated: Lifestyle changes, such as staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels can be helpful.
Do not ignore the symptoms: If you start experiencing any symptoms, then try to ignore them or treat them with home remedies. Consult your doctor to prevent these minor health problems from turning into serious, potentially life-threatening conditions.
Regular medical examinations are important: Regular check-ups can help provide valuable information about your overall health while detecting various health problems at an early stage. Along with this, children are equally vulnerable to health problems such as persistent coughs and colds in winter.
Take care of hygiene: Encourage children to wash their hands often and avoid street food. These measures can help strengthen the immune system of both women and children during the cold season.
Do not hesitate to visit the doctor if necessary.
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