Winter Storm Health Effects And Preventions

Introduction to winter storm health effects and preventions

Understanding winter storm health effects and preventions is crucial information for health and well-being. Because sometimes extreme weather changes caused by winter storms can become a matter of life and death for you. Winter storms unleash severe weather effects such as, thunderstorms, freezing rain, sleet, hail, including heavy snowfall, flooding, powerful winds, blizzard conditions, and extreme cold temperatures. Such extreme weather conditions can pose significant health risk to individuals. The number of people most affected include people with pre-existing medical conditions, as well as young children and the elderly.

Various studies show that, winter storms effect health thousands of peoples each year. Reportedly due to cold-related illness In the United States, an average of 130 people die each year.If we talk about the loss of lives across the world, the numbers are alarming. If we talk about global effect, according to World Health Organization (WHO), cold weather is responsible for deaths of 1.7 million of people worldwide each year according to an approximate estimate. We will try to fully describe and inform you about the winter storm health effects and preventions. So, you can stay healthy and safe during these extreme weather events with our practical prevention tips.

Health effects of Winter Storms

Winter storms can have profound effects on your health. Ignoring them can be very harmful, even fatal some times. Various aspects of our health are affected by this extreme weather conditions. Well, such natural extreme weather conditions cannot be prevented but a little attention can save you from its deadly effects. Among the health problems caused by winter storm or cold weather are described below.

• Hypothermia:

  Hypothermia a medical condition where your body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C) that generally considered normal between 97.7°F (36.5°C) to 99.5°F (37.7°C). Which makes you feel Symptoms of confusion, drowsiness and shivering. Hypothermia can cause decreased platelet count and platelet dysfunction, and can lead to bleeding complications. Wind storm can also affect platelet activation and aggregation. If hypothermia is not taken seriously in time, it can lead to multi-organism damage and can even be life-threatening. Hypothermia is usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, cold water and inadequate dressing.

• Frostbite:

  Frostbite is a cold-weather injury in which your skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolong exposure to extreme cold temperatures. Its symptoms include pale skin, causing numbness, mild freezing of skin, and tingling. furthermore, causing ice crystal formation, blistering and numbness. In deep frostbite we may face Severe freezing of muscles, skin, and bones. Frostbite cannot be left untreated because it can lead to permanent damage and potentially leading to amputation.

• Respiratory Issues:

  Exposure to cold air during wind storms aggravates respiratory diseases such as, bronchitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.

• Cardiovascular Risks:

  Cold temperatures can cause cardiovascular strain, increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This increases the risk of heart attacks, cardiovascular events and strokes. To prevent serious complications and improve survival, early recognition and treatment are needed. Such as medical action and rewarming, are crucial.

• Exacerbate of Allergy:

  Winter storms can aggravate allergy symptoms in people with respiratory system problems. Cold air dries out the lungs and nasal passages, which become very sensitive to allergies.Snow mold can produce spores that aggravate allergies.

• Wreak havoc on hair:

  Winter storms wreak havoc on hair, and lead to dryness, frizz, and brittleness. Due to Cold temperatures and low humidity hairs lose moisture, and become lifeless and dull. Wind and snow also lead to knotting and tangling.

• Mental Health Concerns:

  Cold temperatures can have a profound impact on mental health. It can cause serious exacerbating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and most important Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Due to lack of sunlight, social isolation, and disrupted routines can contribute to feelings loneliness, lethargy, sadness, and hopelessness. It can also lead you to fears about power outages, safety, and disruptions.

Winter storm health effects and preventions Tips

It is very important to take some measures to avoid these bad health effects in such a cold climate. By taking the necessary measures for winter storm health effects and preventions on time, you can improve your health and also play a role in reducing the economic burden of the winter storm.

• Staying Warm and Safe:

  Cover the body with adequate layers of clothing that allows you to breathe easily. And use gloves, hat and scarf to avoid further cold. Avoid unnecessary travel and stay at home as much as possible, especially when you are undergoing medical treatment. Keep the indoor temperature warm (at least 68○ F/20○) to avoid hypothermia and frostbite.

• Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite:

  If you are suffering from any illness, keep a close eye on the temperature. Be alert for signs of frostbite and hypothermia Such as shivering, confusion, tingling, and numbness. Avoid getting wet as much as possible and try to stay dry because it will definitely lower your body temperature. To prevent frostbite, apply warm compresses.

• Managing Respiratory Issues:

  Dry air can make it difficult for you to breathe, so use a humidifier in your living space. This is only possible if you continue to observe symptoms such as frequent coughing and shortness of breath

• Maintaining Mental Health:

  Stay connected with your family, friends and loved ones. To stay active Engage yourself in indoor activity such as puzzles, an indoor game, reading, or hobbies. Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to relieve depression and anxiety. If you are experiencing severe mental health symptoms, you should contact a mental health professional.

• Additional Precautions:

  Drink enough water to avoid dehydration. Also use healthy fluids. Use nutritive food like hot Stews and soups to restore your overall health and energy. Avoid unnecessary strenuous activities. Most importantly, if you are making an alternative arrangement for heating the living space, ensure proper ventilation to avoid toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, which are sometimes fatal.

• Stock up on essentials:

  Caution is better than cure. You should have adequate quantity of non-perishable food so that you do not have any physical weakness. You should have an adequate supply of water, at least one gallon per person per day to avoid dehydration. If you are suffering from any disease, you should have the necessary medicines in proper quantity with you. Doing so can save you from a big problem in advance. You should have first aid box with supplies such as bandages, basic medical supplies, pain relievers and antiseptic wipes.

Important information and conclusion about winter storm health effects and preventions:

Vulnerable Populations:

• Elderly: Research shows that older adults are more susceptible to related illnesses such as frostbite, hypothermia and respiratory issues.
• Young children: Being a parent or caregiver we should know that children under the age of 5 are more vulnerable to cold temperatures and may experience respiratory problems.
• People with chronic illnesses: Individuals with conditions like diabetes, respiratory diseases, and heart disease, are more prone to the complications.
• Homeless populations: due to lack of access to warm shelter and clothing. Homeless population is at a higher risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related illnesses.

Population Affected winter storm health issues all over the world:

• Winter storms affect over 1 billion people In the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan, by each year. Around 500 million people are impacted by winter storms In India, China, Pakistan and other Asian countries, annually. Approximately 100 million people are affected by winter storms each year In Eastern European nations, Russia, and Scandinavian countries.

  

Conclusion

It is very important for us to know that winter storms can lead to significant health risks. With awareness, precautions, preparation and the guidance of health experts, we can stay safe and healthy. Remember to prioritize managing respiratory issues, staying warm, maintaining mental health, and taking additional measures to ensure your overall well-being.Keeping in mind that there is nothing better than health. We should educate ourselves about winter storm health effects and preventions to save people connected with us. Stay safe, Stay healthy and Stay informed!

Sources:

• American Lung Association (ALA). (2020). Cold Weather and Respiratory Health.
• National Weather Service (NWS). (2020). Winter Storm Safety.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2020). Coping with Traumatic Events.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Winter Weather.
• American Heart Association (AHA). (2020). Cold Weather and Cardiovascular Disease.

https://medicalnews2day.com/signs-and-symptoms-of-mental-health/

https://medicalnews2day.com/

https://www.wcia.com/news/effingham-county/winter-storm-preparedness-tips-from-effingham-co-health-dept/