Seven ways to stay warm in cold weather

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The cold season sets in gradually and is accompanied by low temperatures, sometimes lower than the ambient temperature. The last few days have been cold and the cold brings with it certain illnesses if one is exposed to it. Medical experts have indicated that keeping warm is one of the ways to prevent exposure to illnesses that come with the cold.

A doctor, Newton Enyimba, said that the cold season was due to the rains and was the ideal time for the outbreak of certain communicable diseases such as coughs, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, malaria, typhoid and cholera as the rain pours dirt into the rivers where some people drink.

Besides the above illnesses, the medical expert noted that severe exposure to cold can possibly predispose a person to frostbite (when the fingertips, nose or earlobes become so cold that blood vessels constrict), which is common in cold regions and can cause death.

Furthermore, an Associate Professor of Medicine Dr. Aloysius Ikwuka noted that it is necessary for people to keep their bodies warm in cold weather to maintain vital body functions and to help the immune system to combat various infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria that thrive in lower room temperatures and can cause respiratory diseases that make breathing a little difficult. Medical experts have outlined some vital ways to stay warm in cold weather.

Wear warm clothes

Ikwuka advised to dress in warm clothes in cold weather. “Wearing clothes made of wool or synthetic fleece helps maintain body heat. Cotton is also effective if the garment stays dry. Wear several layers of thin, loose clothing rather than one thick one. Wear well-fitting socks and slippers around the house. Sweaters, blankets and quilts are necessary household items in cold weather. These help cover our body and keep us warm,” Ikwuka noted.

Enyimba said the children were still developing and needed to be kept warm to prevent them from suffering from hypothermia (low body temperature). He added that warm clothes, electric blankets and heaters were needed for warmth.

Avoid cold foods, drinks

We need to ensure that the foods and drinks we consume in cold weather are warm enough for the body. Due to cold weather, food and beverages stored outside of the refrigerator tend to warm to room temperature and become cold.

Turn off air conditioners

Ikwuka felt that in cold weather, the use of air conditioners should be reduced. Some people who regularly use air conditioners during the hot season may find that they can do without the air conditioner during cold or rainy seasons. Besides the health implications, turning off air conditioners saves energy and money. "Children can develop an allergy or the flu from air conditioners and fans," Enyimba added.

Eat well

A balanced diet will help you stay warm and healthy in cold weather. Ikwuka indicated that eating at least one hot meal a day promotes body heat. One should make sure to eat a nutritious meal with one's family that doesn't have to be expensive to prepare or buy.

Exercise, stay active

“Staying active is good for your health,” noted Ikwuka. He added that if one indulged in walking, for example, it could help generate heat. If the weather keeps you from going outside, stay active indoors by catching up on any household chores you've put off and getting some exercise, too.

Stay in touch

The associate professor also said that staying in touch with friends and family, especially if one was stuck at home for a few days due to cold weather, helps improve mood, reduce tension and maintain a sense of connection. He said one could contact and check on elderly relatives or neighbors who might need help. He added that people in permanently warm places tend to be happier than their cold counterparts.

Get an umbrella/raincoat

There are many reasons why someone will leave the house or keep one late. It can be work, a party, whatever it is, it is always essential to have an umbrella or a raincoat as it can suddenly start raining while you are still outside. If you get soaked in the rain, you risk catching a cold.

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