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What consequences can cold have on health? If freezing temperatures can lead to an increase in certain infectious diseases, it is the habits adopted during these episodes of extreme cold that can prove to be the most harmful to health. Fortunately, there are simple reflexes to adopt to stay in shape when temperatures plummet. Here are three to implement throughout the winter.
Negative temperatures, snow, ice: a major part of France is affected by a “persistent cold spell“, with a peak expected on Tuesday, as indicated by Météo France. A drop in mercury which is not without consequences for the body. More than the cold itself, certain changes in behavior could be particularly harmful to health, whether you stay at home or go out, therefore requiring great vigilance. Ventilating your home or workplace, eating a balanced diet, covering yourself, or even maintaining a regular (but not intense) level of physical activity constitute all reflexes to adopt to protect yourself from the direct and indirect consequences of such cold episodes.
Ventilate (and not overheat) your home
Contrary to popular belief, it is necessary, if not essential, to ventilate your home in winter, as often as possible. The best is to open the windows in the morning and/or evening, in sequences of 5 to 10 minutes, to allow the home to be cleaned by renewing the air – and to get rid of dust, humidity, mites. , and other pollutants that can cause allergies or breathing difficulties. As regularly reminded Public health France And health insuranceit is also essential to properly maintain and not obstruct the air vents, which also contribute to good air renewal, and to maintain the temperature of the home around 19 degrees – without overheating.
Please note that cold spells are more likely to cause carbon monoxide poisoning. You must be vigilant regarding the use of certain devices, such as auxiliary or combustion heaters, and the absence – or deficiency – of ventilation in the room in which this type of device is placed.
Cover up to avoid hypothermia
Who says episode of extreme cold, does not say hibernation – especially if the latter takes place over time. It is obviously necessary to limit physical efforts and travel, but it is still recommended to go out for a few minutes a day to freshen up your body and mind. To do this, you must prepare to face the cold to reduce the risk of hypothermia (when your body temperature drops below 35 degrees), as recommended Public health France.
This involves covering the extremities which lose heat more quickly (head, hands, feet, neck), but also the nose and mouth using a scarf to breathe less cold air, to increase the number of layers of clothing, the last of which is wind and waterproof, and to choose a suitable pair of shoes to avoid slipping in the event of snow or ice. It is also recommended to avoid going out in the evening or at night, to avoid going out for too long, and to stay active outdoors by walking (no intense physical exertion).
Do not change your diet
“With this cold, what’s better than a good raclette?“. It’s impossible not to have already heard this type of rejoicing, if you haven’t said it yourself. If it is not harmful to your health to succumb to this type of dish in the middle of winter, it is It is important not to eat too many meals that are too rich or too copious, as health authorities remind us. Health insurance noted : “It is important to maintain a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients. The body expends very few additional calories during extreme cold, which is why you should not eat more in winter.“.
It is therefore, as for the rest of the year, to favor fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, homemade, wholemeal pasta and rice, fatty and lean fish, and certain oils. plants. The French organization also encourages the consumption of honey for its antibacterial properties, and to hydrate well by consuming water and hot drinks. Note, contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not warm you up, and can be particularly harmful during such cold episodes.
Be careful, the drop in temperatures is particularly harmful for sensitive and fragile people, starting with children and the elderly. It is therefore appropriate to pay particular attention to this audience, but not only. This is also the case for athletes and people working outdoors, as well as people said to be at risk, suffering in particular from cardiovascular, respiratory or endocrine diseases, Raynaud’s syndrome, obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or seizures. asthma. Homeless people are the most exposed to the cold, so it is essential to be vigilant and call 115 if you encounter someone in difficulty.