| Getting chilled or being wet has often been | | | | Rain: "Get out of those wet things before you |
| associated with catching a cold or other illness. In | | | | catch your death of cold," is often heard when |
| some areas, having your ears unprotected in a | | | | returning from a trip outside in wet weather. |
| windstorm has also been tied to a problem...ear | | | | However, like cold weather there is no connection. |
| infections. However, weather may not always | | | | It is more likely that being indoors is the culprit. |
| cause the problems associated with it. On the | | | | That doesn't mean rain can't make an illness |
| other hand, weather can cause problems you | | | | worse. If you are already ill, stay indoors on rainy |
| may not have been aware of. | | | | days. |
| Cold Weather: By itself, cold weather does not | | | | Snow: The problems caused by snow are not so |
| cause colds or the flu. It may slightly weaken | | | | much catching an illness, it's more along the lines |
| your immune system, particularly after prolonged | | | | of discovering the hard way one exists. There are |
| exposure. However, the real reason people catch | | | | frequent reports of elderly people having heart |
| more illnesses when the weather is cold is | | | | attacks due to shoveling snow. Many of them |
| proximity. We tend to stay indoors and are | | | | never knew they were at risk. If you live in an |
| around many more people than usual. | | | | area that gets snow, it's a good idea to make |
| That doesn't mean cold weather has no direct | | | | sure you are physically able to shovel it up. If you |
| affect on your health. If you have asthma, for | | | | aren't, it might be a good idea to hire someone |
| example, cold weather has the potential of | | | | else to do it for you. |
| triggering an attack. It can cause spasms in the | | | | Wind: I doubt that wind can cause an ear infection |
| bronchial passageways, causing tightness and | | | | all by itself, but it can cause other problems. Wind |
| difficulty breathing. | | | | stirs up dust, mold spores and pollen which can |
| Those with heart disease also have to be careful | | | | cause allergy sufferers difficulties. If it's strong |
| when the thermometer falls. Being exposed to it | | | | enough, it can lodge foreign objects in the eyes |
| can stress the cardiovascular system. Our natural | | | | and the ears. Those can lead to an infection if not |
| response to cold is to keep the body core warm, | | | | handled properly. It may also stir up bacteria, |
| which can be very hard on those with circulatory | | | | though that is a little more difficult. |
| problems. | | | | As you can see, weather can affect your health, |
| Heat: Aside from heat exhaustion and heat | | | | though perhaps not the way you thought it would. |
| stroke, hot weather can create more difficulties. | | | | It's a good idea to talk with your doctor to see if |
| You're more likely to have a headache in hot | | | | the local weather may pose risks for you or your |
| weather, particularly if you are prone to migraines. | | | | family. If you plan to move to a new area, do |
| Dehydration can be another issue. When exposed | | | | some research to see if you need to take any |
| to high temperatures, be sure to drink plenty of | | | | precautions. It's better to be prepared and not |
| fluids. | | | | need the information. |