Heart-Lungs Winter Care: It is getting cold in North India. Everyone is in a bad condition in this bone-chilling winter. On the other hand, health experts have also stressed staying fit, as given the current situation, the cold wave can cause other risks related to the heart and lungs in people.
Many cases of heart attacks are coming to the fore during winter. One of the main reasons for increasing blood pressure in winter is lack of exposure to the sun and lack of physical activity. In such a situation, people are advised to eat light food, wear enough woolen clothes, and increase physical activity in addition to taking regular medicines to reduce the risk of a heart attack. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a serious toll on the health of people across the globe. That's why it becomes very important to give priority to your immunity.
Some tips to be followed for a healthy heart-
Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause your body to overheat, which can be dangerous when you're out in the cold. The body gradually adapts to the temperature. So try to consume it as little as possible. Smoking should also be completely avoided. Even passive smoking poses a risk during the cold winter months. It is known that smoking is one of the major factors of heart disease.
Wear warm clothes
Cold temperatures can constrict blood circulation, which puts extra stress on the heart and can lead to complications. So put on warm clothes before going out. On one hand, where it is necessary to wear warm clothes in cold weather, on the other hand, it is also necessary to avoid overheating. For example, if you increase your physical activity, your body will automatically heat up. In such a situation, the body needs space to release heat. Clothing that is too warm can prevent this, causing a gradual drop in blood pressure and when the blood pressure drops, it can cut off the heart's blood supply, possibly leading to a heart attack.
Exercise indoors
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the contributing factors to lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes. However, venturing out early in the morning in cool temperatures can be risky. So, without over-exerting, opt for indoor exercises like yoga, or simple routines in your living room. Exertion can put undue strain on the heart and make the condition worse. Moderate-intensity physical activity is the need of the hour.
Take a light diet
In winter try to have light home-cooked food and keep checking blood pressure. Avoid eating excessive fat, fried and salted things. Instead, eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Stick to less spicy and less oily food as high cholesterol food can increase the risk of heart disease and avoid consuming outside food.
Take a warm bath
Bathing with cold water should be avoided as lukewarm water helps in maintaining the body temperature. Lukewarm water increases the body temperature and also promotes blood circulation.
Going out in cold temperatures also puts pressure on the lungs.
Everyone thinks about the heart, but keeping the lungs healthy is equally important. Cold can also wreak havoc on our respiratory system and trigger symptoms like cough and breathlessness, which can lead to chronic lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), bronchiectasis, etc. Huh. Take care of lungs like this during extreme temperatures.
This is how to protect the lungs-
Avoid coming in contact with pollution, smog, vehicular smoke, dust, etc. Keep an eye on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Wear a mask while going out, especially in crowded places.
People over 55 years of age should get influenza and pneumonia vaccines to prevent infection.
Be careful of dampness and mold in the house.
Disclaimer: The advice and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as any professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
