8 diseases that threaten you when the weather changes from fall to winter

The transition from fall to winter can take a toll on your health.

From the joints in your knees to your breathing, changes in temperature can have a significant impact. Beware of these eight diseases that threaten your health when the weather turns cold.

Headaches and migraines

“One of the causes of headaches is the constriction of blood vessels in the brain, which reduces blood flow,” says Xiang Li, MD, an internist at Tri-City Medical Center in California. A migraine can also be triggered by weather changes: Sudden cold weather, sunlight, and stormy weather can cause a chemical imbalance in the brain that triggers migraines. So, wear a hat and keep your head warm to avoid aching and migraine pain.

Dry skin

"When the weather turns cold, the humidity in the air decreases, so the moisture on the skin decreases. Strong winds can dry and irritate the skin and potentially damage the skin's protective lipid barrier," says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills.

Switch to a gentle cleanser, and exfoliate twice a week to remove dry layers and refresh your skin.

Don't forget to use a humidifier in your bedroom, too, especially when the heater or fireplace is on. "Adding moisture to the air will help replenish moisture to your skin while you sleep," she adds.

Lack of energy and irritability

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is thought to be caused by the body's exposure to less light during the day, says Robert S. Rosenberg, a sleep medicine specialist and author of “Sleep Well Every Night, Feel Great Every Day.”

People with SAD often produce more of a chemical called SERT, which reduces levels of serotonin, the happy hormone. To combat this feeling, Rosenberg recommends getting more sunlight this cold season.

Vitamin D deficiency

“One of the main sources of vitamin D in our bodies is from converting cholesterol stored in the skin into vitamin D3 due to exposure to sunlight,” says Li.

In cold weather, not only is the UV index low, but people are also indoors more and certainly not getting enough sunlight. Symptoms of deficiency include muscle weakness, increased pain sensitivity, and drowsiness.

Get your vitamin D by eating fatty fish like salmon and tuna, and drinking fortified milk, says Dr. Li. The recommended daily dose is 600 IU of vitamin D3.

Shortness of breath

Colder weather can cause airway constriction, narrowing the airways and making it difficult to breathe, so Dr. Li recommends wearing a mask when you go outside. “Wearing a mask covers your mouth and allows you to inhale the warm air from your breath before it enters your lungs,” she said.

Cold

Spending more time indoors means being in closer contact with other people, making you more susceptible to colds and flu. “Most viruses are contagious for a few days before you start to have your first symptoms, so you’re contagious without knowing it,” says Shainhouse. “A cold virus can stay on your skin for up to three to four hours before it dies.

So you should wash your hands thoroughly and frequently when you hear sneezing, runny nose in and on surfaces until four before you die.

Joint pain

While there is no conclusive scientific evidence that cold or damp weather causes joint pain, one theory is that cold weather causes low air pressure around the joints, according to Dr. Li, causing the soft tissues around the joints to swell. This creates pressure that causes joint pain.

“Another theory is that cold weather directly causes muscle contraction, constriction of connective tissue, and the ligaments around the joints, essentially pulling on the nerves,” she says. One of the best things you can do to avoid joint pain is to stay active. Exercise not only keeps your body warm, but also lubricates stiff joints and helps prevent weight gain,” says Dr. Li.

Dry hair and weak nails

“In cold weather, the small blood vessels in your skin, fingers, and toes all constrict, reducing blood flow to deliver nutrients and oxygen,” says Dr. Li. This can lead to dry hair and nails, too.

Additionally, cold temperatures dry out your skin and nails, leaving them vulnerable to cracking and damage. Be sure to keep your body warm and run a humidifier to increase circulation and hydrate your skin.

According to vietnamnet