Cold wave is a type of weather in which winds become extremely cold and blow at high speed. In cold wave, cold winds are very aggressive, which can cause many harm to health.
There has been a sharp drop in temperature in North India in the last few days, and cold wave is going on. According to the Meteorological Department, this situation will continue for a few more days. In such a situation, it is very important to protect yourself from cold. Due to cold wave, the risk of many health related problems increases (cold wave health hazards). If one is not careful about health during a cold wave, many serious conditions can arise, and it can even be fatal. Let us know some effective ways to prevent cold wave health hazards.
What is cold wave?
Cold wave is a type of weather in which winds become extremely cold and blow at high speed. In cold wave, cold winds are very aggressive, which can cause many harm to health. Cold wave is also called cold snap or deep freeze. It is characterized by a sudden drop in the average temperature of any area.
Many health related problems increase due to cold wave (cold wave health hazards)
1. Heart related problems
Due to cold, blood vessels shrink, due to which blood pressure and heart rate increases. This causes additional pressure on the cardiovascular system, which can potentially trouble you with problems like heart attack, rapid heartbeat, heaviness, etc. Additionally, exposure to cold can thicken the blood, increasing the likelihood of clotting, which is a contributing factor to both heart attacks and strokes.
2. Stroke and neurological problems
Hypothermia becomes a greater risk due to exposure to extreme cold winds, which can challenge the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature. It disrupts neurological functions, increasing the chances of stroke. Additionally, prolonged exposure to extreme cold can cause shivering, which is a natural response to heat generation, but which can increase stress on the heart. However, if attention is paid, such a problem can be prevented from getting triggered.
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3. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Cold air narrows the airways, increasing the risk for a person with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pressure on the respiratory system increases the chances of cardiovascular problems.
4. Frostbite
Frostbite is the result of cold temperatures affecting the skin and internal tissues, which can restrict blood flow. This not only increases the risk of tissue damage, but may also contribute to cardiovascular problems associated with cold exposure. There is a feeling of cold followed by numbness.
5. Psychological stress increases
Psychological stress from extreme cold can stimulate stress hormones, which affect the nervous system. This may trigger cardiovascular problems, or worsen existing cardiovascular conditions.
6. Risk of infection
Prolonged exposure to cold winds can weaken immunity. This increases susceptibility to respiratory infections like flu and common cold and cough.
Know some effective tips to protect yourself from cold wave (how to protect yourself from cold wave)
1. Wear full clothes to keep yourself warm
To avoid cold wave, it is very important to keep the body warm, for which wear clothes in layers. Your base layer does the most work, so wear a good quality inner layer. Layer it as per your preference. It is important to wear a windproof jacket before going out of the house, so that the winds do not hit your body. Apart from this, it is very important to wear a cap to cover the ears and head.
2. Eating right will help
Eat hot meals, and keep your regular meals light. It is very important to consume seasonal fruits and vegetables during cold weather. Because it boosts immunity, which gives strength to fight infections and diseases in cold. To keep the body warm, consume hot drinks and also eat khichdi daily.
3. Keep the body active
When your body is active, blood circulation increases. Also heat is generated in the body. You can try this yourself and see that sitting in a blanket makes you feel colder, as soon as you come out of the blanket and start working, you feel better. If it is too cold and you cannot go outside, practice yoga and exercise indoors. Along with this, keep yourself busy in small household chores.
4. Do not spend too much time exposed to cold winds
If there is a cold wave, reduce exposure to cold winds as much as possible. Because the more you come in contact with them, the more the risk of health related problems will increase. Therefore, try to spend time indoors and go out by covering yourself completely when necessary.
5. Pay attention to the amount of iron and vitamin B12
Iron and vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia. In this situation, due to insufficient oxygen reaching the body, one may feel cold. In such a situation, include adequate amounts of iron and vitamin B12 rich foods in your regular diet, so that the amount of these nutrients remains intact in your body.
Also read: Stretching in winter: Know why stretching exercises are important for you in cold weather
