While winters bring the joy of Christmas and snow, it also brings many health issues. When it comes to heart problems, you need to take extra care of them to remain healthy. Cold weather increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks as well as cold and flu. Thanks to COVID-19, we haven’t caught a break from this deadly virus until now.
People with old age are especially at risk and should be extra careful. The heart works harder during cold weather to keep the body lose weight warm. The blood vessels in the body constrict to let the heart pump blood to all other major organs. Winters can also increase the risk of blood clots. If you already suffer from heart-related illness and drink alcohol and smoke, then you are at a greater risk.
How to stay warm during winters?
The first thing you can do is keep your home warm by managing the thermostat. According to NHS, your home must be heated for a minimum of 18 degrees Celsius or 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your windows and doors are closed. Try to walk around inside your house for 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Wear thick layers of warm clothes to avoid getting sick. Make sure you take a well-balanced diet with hot meals. You can consume a hot glass of milk every day or even hot soup. Avoid eating any fried food to keep your health lifestyle tips in a good position. Don’t forget to stay hydrated.
How to manage your heart condition?
As we have already discussed above, the heart needs to work harder during the cold season. The main thing you should do besides staying warm is to take regular medication. Don’t miss your prescription and fill it on time. If you feel discomfort, then you must talk to your GP or consultant to avoid getting any problems.
How can flu affect your heart?
With changing seasons, the chances of getting flu or cold increases. When you already have a weak heart, you are in a more serious condition. You can get a flu vaccine to avoid getting sick from any such thing or worse – Pneumonia. If you are over the age of 65 years or have asthma or diabetes, you will get the vaccine shot for free.
Who is at most risk during winters?
Children below the age of 10 years and elderly people are at the most risk. When the temperature changes to an extreme level, then they get under high-risk threat. Make sure to keep an eye on your family members, neighbors, and vulnerable family. If you or anyone you know recognize any symptoms of heart attack, then immediately call 999 for an ambulance.
Can healthy diet help?
As Christmas is approaching soon, it is natural for all of us to indulge in spicy, fried, and carb food. But how to balance all the calories you will intake within a few days? Who can say no to Christmas pie, Turkey, and cookies? We recommend you to balance your diet with healthier options to control your calorie intake.
Eat more vegetables and fruits filled with vitamins and minerals to boost your immunity. Have a cup of fresh vegetable soup daily to keep yourself warm and healthy. Avoid drinking too much coffee or any other form of caffeine. Drink green tea to watch the calorie intake while giving your body a good amount of antioxidants. Avoid eating frozen food or preserved food as it is not healthy at all. Watch out for your cholesterol level and keep it under the mark to make your heart healthy.
We would not recommend you to eat anything from takeaways due to the COVID-19 risk, and of course, it is not at all good for you.
You can look out for easy recipes that can help you during such days when you don’t feel like cooking anything.
Watch out for your mental health.
The winter season can be scary for some people. Short days and longer nights can make people feel vulnerable and stressed. You can consider taking Vitamin D supplements as you will not get much sunlight during cold weather. Indulge yourself for at least 10 minutes of meditation and do some exercise for at least 30 minutes. You can also practice mindfulness and listen to guided meditation tracks to calm yourself.
If you feel depressed or suicidal, you can always call helpline numbers to seek therapy. Talk to your friends or family daily to let your thoughts out. You can also make a habit of keeping a daily log.
Watch out for your weight.
Being overweight increases the risk on your heart. It can lower your immunity and put you at risk for coronavirus as well. There is much at-home yoga or Pilate’s tutorial available online. If you have a Work from home job, then do some desk sitting exercise after every few hours daily. You can also do a quick 10 minute home workout to burn that extra calorie intake.
These tips will help you in managing your heart health during the cold season. It will also ensure that you and your family are always ready to fight infections and deadly coronavirus. But if you ever need emergency funds in case of a health emergency, then you can always apply for loans from lenders. Direct lenders offer loans for everyone with bad credit and no guarantor.
Don’t let winters put you down. Bring the required changes in your life today.
