Cold and its effects on the body

A great deal has been written about the effects of heat on the body; usually aimed at people who are going on sun holidays and the like.  However, in the recent cold snap here in the UK, perhaps as it is such a long time since we had a protracted spell of very cold weather, we could do with some tips and reminders about cold weather and how to avoid any lasting effects.

1.     Cold weather cannot make you ill with a cold or the flu; but it can lower your level of resistance.  Keeping warm is one way of making sure your immune levels stay high.  Make sure you wash your hands frequently when travelling around in cold weather.  Most bacteria and viruses rely on getting into your respiratory system via your hands.

2.     Wrap up warm.  Not as trite as it sounds.  You may only be a couple of hundred yards away from home, but if the wind chill is really extreme and you have been waiting for a bus for ages, the chill is remarkably effective in getting through to inefficiently-wrapped limbs.  Lots of light layers are the answer, so that you only wear as much as you need and can take some of them off when you get to your destination.

3.     Wear a hat.  Again, not self-evident.  A great deal of heat is lost from the head and especially for those with little or no hair, this is a real necessity.  Children, in particular, need their ears covering in cold weather.

4.     Take a thermos flask containing a hot drink, with you in the car if you have leave home in bad weather.  Take a blanket as well.  That way, if you get caught out and have to stop somewhere for any length of time, you will have something to keep you warm while you wait.

5.     Don't forget about a warm bath or shower.  This is the most effective way of warming up from head to foot after cold exposure.  Be careful not to have the water too hot as extremities which may be numb, will not necessarily detect if the temperature of the water is too high.

6.     Wear waterproofs if travelling any distance in snow or rain.  Getting wet is just as harmful as getting cold and will accelerate the process.  Make sure any outdoor coat or jacket is either waterproof or at least covered by a waterproof.

7.     When children clamour to go out and play, give them waterproof gloves to wear on top of their own gloves.  That way, when they make snowballs or build snowmen, their hands will not become cold and wet, but should remain warm and dry.

8.     Don't encourage the use of radiators or fires to produce an instant warming effect for cold hands and feet when coming in from the cold.  Cold extremities should be warmed slowly, otherwise there is a real risk of chilblains, which can be painful and distressing with the resultant itching.

9.     Stock up on instant hot drinks for cold days.  Soup in a cup, hot chocolate and any hot drink which is enjoyed, will give an instant lift.

10. Finally, always make sure you have some warm clothes to come home to.  A dressing gown, which has been left somewhere warm until your return, is one of the biggest comforts there is.