|
|
Post by cathygeha on Jan 18, 2019 7:44:19 GMT
This round began January 10 - February 20. It’s not too late. If you ‘d like to join us, respond on today’s thread with your board name/first name and your goal for this round. The hostess will add you to the challengers list the following day. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Challengers:
bmazzo/Beverly - to actually accomplish some of the projects I’ve been putting off
cathygeha/Cathy - journal every day/veganuary
cherryt38/Cherry - be more active
jalibmu/Jan - focus on good health guidelines
jasimons/Judy - snack planned for after work and prepped ahead if possible
pamthomas46/Pam - continue to collect blue dot days and enter a new decade
Hostes Schedule:
January 10 - 16 Pam
January 17 - 23 Cathy
January 24 - 30 Judy
January 31 - February 6 Jan
February 7 - 13 Cherry
February 14 - 20 Beverly
|
|
|
|
Post by cathygeha on Jan 18, 2019 7:52:00 GMT
How Cold Weather Affects Healthrollingstrong.com/how-cold-weather-affects-health/Cold weather affects your health in a variety of ways. From weight gain, to cold and flu, to frostbite, cold weather can wreak havoc on your body. Learn how to keep warm, prevent weight gain, and stay in good health during these cold winter months.
Disease Risk
The cold causes a loss of blood supply to the immune system to keep your heart and head warm which in turn causes a weakened immune system. The reduction of blood supply means that the illness-fighting cells are not as available to help fight viruses or infections. Cold weather results in increased risk of colds and flu.
Common colds are the most common human disease and cause, on average, 2-5 colds per year in adults. The common cold is spread mainly through touching a surface that the virus is living on, or through air-borne infection such as a cough. It is recommended to wash your hands regularly and not touch your face until you wash your hands. The only cure for the cold and flu is to take medication for the symptoms and let your immune system fight off the virus. Antibiotics will do not cure the cold! Make sure to get plenty of sleep and eat healthy foods.
The flu is similar to a cold but it can be more serious, especially in the elderly, the young, or those with diabetes and kidney disease. The flu is very similar to the cold in terms of symptoms and how to get rid of it. The flu virus thrives in the cold weather. The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu shot every year. If you come down with the flu, be sure to get plenty of rest, eat healthy food, and take medicine for the symptoms. Antibiotics will not cure the flu either!
The norovirus, often called the winter vomiting bug, is common in the winter months. It is also very serious for the elderly, the young, and those with compromised immune systems. It causes extreme vomiting and diarrhea, which then causes dehydration and in serious conditions death. It is widely found in schools, hotels, and cruise liners due to the large amount of people in small spaces. It usually runs its course in a few days. Again, antibiotics will do nothing for the norovirus.
The risk of asthma attacks increase in the cold weather due to breathing in cold air quickly which causes lung spasms, triggering an attack. Try wearing a scarf or face mask to warm the air before the air gets to the lungs.
Migraines and sinus pressure increase due to falling barometric pressure, which can be intense. Try talking to your doctor about medication or ways to help deal with more frequent migraines or increased intensity of sinus pressure.
Mental Health Risks
Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder, often referred to as SAD, increase in the winter months due to shorter days and less sunlight. Symptoms of depression and SAD include feeling sad most days if not all of the week, having little to no energy or motivation to do normal activities, having problems sleeping, having problems concentrating, feeling hopeless, and/or experiencing changes in appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms talk with your doctor. Your doctor might recommend that you take some medication or talk with a trained professional.
Stay warm, stay safe, and stay healthy during these winter months.
Sources
http://home/rolling/public_html.care2.com/greenliving/7-surprising-effects-of-cold-weather-on-the-body.html
https://home/rolling/public_html.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/science/cold-weather-health.php
QUESTIONS 1. Comments on any of the above? 2. Have you ever been on a sleigh ride? Can you hitch a horse to a sleigh/wagon/whatever or put a saddle and bridle on a horse?
|
|
|
|
Post by cathygeha on Jan 18, 2019 7:56:28 GMT
I found it interesting that some medical issues increase in winter...
As for the sleigh ride? Never have been on one...been pulled by a horse in a wagon (I think) and have saddled and bridled a horse and ridden one BUT am not sure I could do it again...that was long ago at summer camp AND the horse stepped on my food and would not get off...horses and I...well...they have the upper hand and seem to know it.
Enjoyed reading your responses...thank you for participating  |
|
|
|
Post by bmazzo on Jan 18, 2019 13:31:34 GMT
I think the medical issues increase in winter because everyone is inside & closer together.
Depression is a real thing & does seem to get worse on gray, cloudy, cold days.
I have never been on a sleigh ride. I watched my dad hook the horse/mule to the wagon many times. I have helped him, but I have never done it on my own. Used to be able to ride a horse, but we never had a saddle, we did have bridles. I haven't even been near a horse now in years.
|
|
|
|
Post by cherryt38 on Jan 18, 2019 14:24:48 GMT
I don't think I've been on an actual sleigh ride, but sometimes when the roads were blocked in winter my dad would take me to school with the horses and sled. I have probably at one time or another at least helped hitch the horses to the sled or wagon.
I have many times saddled and bridled a horse. My cousin and I practically lived on horseback in the summers.
I don't seem to get sick or get a cold any more in the winter than at any other time. I don't often get a cold. I always get my flu shot.
|
|
|
|
Post by jan on Jan 18, 2019 17:29:43 GMT
Its funny that everyone is answering the horse/sleigh/saddle question first We had horses when I was a kid so I put many a saddle and bridle on them. I think I could still do it. Haven't been in an actual sleigh.
I know that I am much more inactive in the winter months later in the day. During the daylight, I am happy to be out and about, but once it gets dark, I am ready for home and/or bed. I know that they sell lamps that mimic actual sunlight for people with SAD.
I very rarely get sick. Maybe 1 cold a year. Haven't had the flu for probably 30 years and don't get a flu shot. My mom always said we came from "hardy" stock. My co-worker (on the other hand) has some kind of illness all the time. She took 2 days off last week and I have had to listen to her this week go on and on about how bad she feels.
|
|
|
|
Post by pamthomas46 on Jan 18, 2019 21:14:05 GMT
I have never ridden in a slergh pulled by a horse. I have found more sinus issues this winter. The blue skies and usual sun here in CO are making me glad we made the move. Thanks for hosting this week Cathy.
|
|
|
|
Post by jasimons on Jan 18, 2019 22:11:18 GMT
I'm fortunate that I don't seem to get sick very often at all - hardly ever. Working in food service, I do tend to wash my hands a lot. (which does tie into the question as well - food service locations prevent the spread of any food borne illness by stressing hand washing. Washing hands often also might work in my favor to keep me from picking up any thing from others by rubbing eyes after touching surfaces, etc.
To put a positive spin on winter's darker days - as someone who is more introverted than extroverted, winter can sometimes give a bit of an excuse to be able to stay home. However, being too isolated probably isn't a good thing.
I don't think I've ever ridden on/in a horse drawn sleigh or wagon. I'm not sure I'd remember how to saddle a horse, but it might come back to me if I had to. I did know as a child/teen - had a horse at that time.
|
|
