Published On : Fri, Nov 9th, 2012

Simple tips for winter

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Nagpur News: The minimum temperature of Nagpur is 16 degrees Celsius today, and maximum temperature is 31 degree Celsius. Due to suddenly down in temperature cold, asthma, vomiting, high temperature like fever are increasing. Patients in the Outpatient Department (OPD) at GMCH (Government Medical College and Hospital) and Mayo Hospital increase by 15 to 20 percent in this season.

Dr. D. B. Chowdhuri of Shrikurpa Hospital, said, “If you catch a cold, use disposable tissue instead of cloth handkerchiefs to wipe your nose, to avoid constantly re-infecting your own hands. The best relief for a sore throat is to gargle with warm salty water. It won’t heal the infection, but it has anti-inflammatory properties and can have a soothing effect. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass of part-cooled boiled water. When people are ill with vomiting and diarrhea, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Young children and the elderly are especially at risk. By drinking Oral Rehydration fluids (available from pharmacies), you can reduce the risks of dehydration. Asthma patient should stay indoors on very cold, windy days. If you do go out, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth. Be extra vigilant about taking your regular medications, and keep rescue inhalers close by and in a warm place. Many people get a little depressed during the winter months and this can make them perceive pain more acutely. Everything feels worse, including medical conditions. Daily exercise can boost a person’s mental and physical state. Swimming is ideal as it’s easy on the joints. Every day, do things that make you feel less stressed, such as having a hot bath, going for a walk in the park or watching one of your favorite films”.

Dr. Ashok Langewar, a retired professor in Community Medicine, said, “Dry skin is a common condition and is often worse during the winter when environmental humidity is low. Moisturizing is essential during winter. Contrary to popular belief, moisturizing lotions and creams aren’t absorbed by the skin. Instead, they act as a sealant to stop the skin’s natural moisture from evaporating away. The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower while your skin is still moist, and again at bedtime. For dry skin have warm, rather than hot, showers. Water that is too hot makes skin feel more dry and itchy. Hot water will also make your hair look dull and dry. Flu is a major killer of vulnerable people. People aged 65 and over and people with long-term health conditions including diabetes and kidney disease are particularly at risk. Heart attacks are more common in winter. They should stay warm at home. Keep the main rooms you use at 21C (70F) and use a hot water bottle to keep warm in bed. Wrap up when you go out and wear a hat, scarf and gloves. Don’t smoke or drink caffeine (they can both worsen symptoms) and always wear warm gloves, socks and shoes when going out in cold weather”.