Cold weather can make a major impact not just on how you feel, but also how your body reacts. Now, we’re taking a closer look at how the cold can impact your body, and why it’s so important to bundle up this winter.

How Cold Impacts Your Health

One of the things cold does is impact your immune system. This isn’t due to the cold itself, but instead is because of the environment that cold weather creates. It usually encourages people to spend more time inside in close contact with others. This means that flus, coughs, and colds can more easily spread.

While you may not consider it at first, the cold can also affect how your heart functions. Cold acts as a vasoconstrictor, which means that it narrows blood vessels. This can actually raise the risk of a heart attack. In order to help prevent issues, make sure to dress warmly when going out, and don’t too anything too strenuous outdoors if you’re at risk.

In addition to how cold impacts your immune system and heart, it can also affect your skin. Dry winter air can suck moisture from your skin, so remember to moisturize or use a humidifier in your home. You’ll also want to be conscious of your body’s temperature. If it drops too low, you can experience the effects of hypothermia.

Cold can also trigger lung spasms for those with asthma and allergies. Due to cold air going in on each inhale and warm air going out with each exhale, the lungs can spasm and create difficulty breathing.

Protect Yourself Against Cold Weather

All of these issues can be avoided by bundling up when you go outside, and protecting yourself against the cold by not staying in it for too long. If you happen to be going outside for an extended period of time, make sure that you’re properly prepared for the weather.

If you’re looking for disaster and survival gear to weather ice storms or just inclement conditions, then look at what is available on 1^st Aid Supplies. You’ll feel better known that you’re prepared no matter what winter throws at you.