Protect Yourself from Cold.
In this article, I shall discuss simple measures to reduce the effects of cold on our bodies. You will also learn about temperature regulation, features of cold exposure, and much more.
Keywords:
Human Physiology|Thermoregulation| Wellness| Selfcare| Self care|Positivity| Dopamine |Endorphins| Bronchoconstriction| Bronchospasm| Yoga
Table of content
This article is part of my mission to provide trustworthy, recent health information to support the general public, patients, and professionals globally.
Here you will find human Physiology, Anatomy, and health-related topics.
This article is intended for an international audience of medical care providers and learners.
This activity aims for learners to better apply the latest scientific knowledge.
Introduction
Temperature changes occur worldwide. In the winter season, environmental temperatures fall. We cannot control these falls, but we can protect ourselves from the cold climate and waves.
Tissues in our bodies perform properly within a narrow body temperature range, 35.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius. Enzymes, hormones, and other systems perform optimally when the body temperature is within this standard limit.
Our bodies maintain the core temperature within a normal range by ‘thermoregulation.’ Peripheral temperature fluctuates to some degree and affects core temperature.
The thermoregulatory system is poorly developed in infants and children, who are more prone to colds.
The thermoregulatory system is less efficient in old age than in young age. Some diseases, like diabetes mellitus and hypertension, may be present. Because blood vessels are less flexible, the elderly are more prone to colds.
Cold weather poses significant risks to older people. The mortality rate is high during cold weather in older people.
Let us know about temperature regulation in our body. Body temperature depends on heat loss and heat gain from our bodies.
Heat loss occurs by
1. Conduction –when we touch cold objects
2. Convection- exposed in a cold climate, cold wind passes after touching our bodies.
3. Radiation –temperature transfer to the environment due to temperature differences without contact.
4. Evaporation of sweat and water vapor through expiration.
Therefore, in cold climates, we must cover our bodies with cotton clothes, woolen clothes, windcheaters, etc., and remain indoors.
Baby in proper dress, in a room.
Heat gain occurs by
1. Internal source production in the body.
2. External source-heat appliances to warm the room and body.
Steps to prevent the ill effects of a cold:
1. We must stay indoors as far as possible. Our work is essential, but our lives are precious, and we must save ourselves.
2. We must use heating appliances, electrical or otherwise. We keep ourselves warm by drinking hot beverages, such as tea and coffee, and fluids with the proper amount of electrolytes.
3. We must wear adequate clothing to cover ourselves from toe to head: socks, gloves, scarves, hats, mufflers, jackets, and coats.
4. We must exercise and remain active. Exercise and physical activities cause sweating and remove waste metabolic products from our bodies.
Muscular activities produce energy –heat.
Physical activities release dopamine, endorphins, and other hormones that protect against depression.
We should perform breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation to improve our mental health.
5. We must keep ourselves well-hydrated. We must drink fluids along with electrolytes to maintain health.
6. We must eat a nutritious diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber in an adequate amount to maintain normal health.
7. We must maintain personal hygiene.
8. We must not consume alcohol and must not smoke.
9. We should follow the instructions of the ‘national weather service’ and local authorities regarding cold waves and other weather conditions.
Physiology of cold exposure:
During Cold, the blood supply in peripheral parts of our bodies —fingers, toes, palms, soles, and skin —constricts to reduce heat loss. Blood flows to the central internal organs, increasing strain on the heart and raising blood pressure. It may even cause myocardial infarction.
High blood pressure may cause confusion, disorientation, cerebrovascular accidents, hemiplegia, and paralysis. These effects are pronounced in old age, malnourished persons, and persons suffering from some diseases.
In our bodies, enzymes, hormones, and tissues work efficiently at average body temperature. The regulatory mechanism tries to maintain core temperature. However, it fails in extremely low temperatures. When body temperature fails, the functions of enzymes, hormones, and tissues are affected adversely, leading to morbidity and mortality.
Cold air may cause reflex bronchoconstriction, leading to bronchospasm and breathing difficulty.
In cold climates, the oxygen supply to tissues reduces, causing hypoxia. All cells are susceptible to hypoxia, especially the brain. When the oxygen supply to the brain is compromised, confusion, disorientation, coma, and death may occur.
How to recognize the effects of Cold:
Feeling cold, shivering, numbness in fingers and toes, weakness, lethargy, confusion, disorientation, and coma.
Your social responsibilities:
Take care of your family, relatives, friends, and others.
Remain in contact with your relatives, friends, and neighbors.
Please help others.
Keep yourself warm and healthy.
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Hashtags: Prevention # Self-care # Wellness# Wellbeing # Health care# Human health # Human physiology# Social science
Internal Links: https://blog.totalphysiology.com/2021/02/fever-we-must-know.html
https://blog.totalphysiology.com/2022/01/homeostasis/html
External Links: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk
FAQ:
Q1. How to protect from the cold in winter?
A. You must dress adequately, drink warm liquids frequently, and take proper, healthy food. You must remain in a warm place and avoid outdoor work.
Q.2 How do you stay healthy during the winter season?
A. By eating healthy food, drinking frequent warm drinks, and wearing proper clothing.
Q3.Safety tips for outdoor workers.
A. There are some tips for outdoor workers to stay safe and healthy in cold weather.
Dress appropriately, take frequent breaks in warm areas, and drink warm liquids. Do not take alcohol.
Disclaimer: All possible measures have been taken to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information; however, the author does not take any liability for using any information provided by the website solely at the viewer’s discretion. ‘The information is provided as an educational service and public awareness. It is not medical advice. We recommend reviewing a reference book for any doubts and to gain more accurate and advanced knowledge.
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