Here’s some great news: all you need to do to stay healthy, even when it’s cold outside, is give up a few bad habits.
If you stop doing the following eight things, you can not only avoid getting sick but also enjoy the cold weather as much as you like.
Using Nasal Drops Before Going Outside
A cold environment causes the nasal passages to narrow. If we give a little “help” in the form of nasal drops, the mucous membranes will not be able to defend themselves against microorganisms or heat the cold air we inhale. Better to just blow your nose before you go outside.
Breathing Through Your Mouth When Outside
When you breathe through your mouth, you cannot heat the air or hydrate it, which increases the possibility of having an angina attack.
To avoid this, simply breathe in through your nose, slowly and deeply.
Covering Your Nose And Mouth With A Scarf
In cold climates, the water vapor that we breathe out when we exhale can turn into ice if it falls directly on the fabric of a scarf or coat.
The air that passes through the frozen protective covering is colder than it would be without this barrier.
This can cause angina and bronchitis and irritate the skin. If you really need it, cover your face, but don’t cover your nose.
Running Home When You’re Shivering
At the first signs of frostbite, it is a good idea to go to a warm place (such as a store or cafeteria) for a few minutes to warm up and catch your breath and then continue on your way. Don’t start running faster and faster when you’re already cold.
Wearing Tight-fitting Clothes And Footwear
Overly tight clothing and shoes ensure it freezes faster in cold weather. If you choose slightly looser garments, the air between the layers will help keep your body warm.
Drinking Something Hot 30 Minutes Before Going Outside
Hot tea increases blood circulation and improves the body’s defense mechanisms. But it also causes blood vessels to expand.
This means that when you go out in the cold, you lose a lot of body heat very quickly. If you really need a drink, it’s better to go for water or anything warm rather than hot.
Going Hungry When Out In The Cold Weather
To produce body heat, we need energy, otherwise, we will freeze very quickly. This is why you need to eat as soon as hunger pangs appear.
At the very least, you should have a snack and a cup of hot tea somewhere where there is heat.
Applying Cream Immediately Before Going Outside
When you apply creams to your skin, in the first 30-40 minutes they make the water evaporate. In cold climates, this causes cooling and damage to the skin.
Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid going outdoors for at least 30 minutes after applying the cream or lotion or to avoid using water-based creams.