THE SEVERE and prolonged bout of poor weather leads to an increase in certain health problems. The most obvious is a rise in the number of cases of trauma, whether from motor collisions or trips and falls.
People who fall on an outstretched hand risk sustaining a fracture of the radius, a bone in the forearm. People with thinning of the bones are more likely to suffer a hip fracture. And for those indulging in some impromptu winter sports, fractures of the collarbone are common.
A less obvious effect of extreme cold is the threat it poses to cardiovascular and respiratory health. Cold air raises blood pressure and causes platelets in the blood to stick together. As a result, people with coronary artery disease are more likely to have a heart attack.
Those with lung disease such as chronic bronchitis or asthma often notice that breathing becomes more difficult as temperatures drop. This is because the cold air triggers constriction of the airways.
Researchers have established a direct link between temperature and health. For every degree the temperature drops below 18 degrees, there is a 2 per cent increase in death rates. Two days into a cold spell and the incidence of heart attack rises; three days later and the number of strokes increase.
One of the most important ways to prevent ill-health during a cold spell is to ensure your home is well-heated. By keeping warm, the chance of body temperature dropping too low is minimised. Regular exercise also helps because it improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and helps to regulate temperature.
If you have difficulty exercising because of disability, the next best thing is to wear several thin layers of clothes to minimise heat loss.
Older people are especially vulnerable to current weather conditions. People aged over 65 are seven times more likely to be admitted to hospital as a result of cold temperatures compared with those aged 18 to 44.
Stays in hospital in poorer communities due to cold weather are 2.5 times more common than in the wealthiest neighbourhoods. In part, this can be attributed to fuel poverty, which occurs when a household needs to spend more than 10 per cent of its income on energy to maintain an acceptable level of heat in the home.
DOS AND DON’TS
Wear appropriate, non-slip footwear.
Take exceptional care when walking on icy pavements.
Vulnerable people must be physically supported if they have to walk outside.
Older people should try to keep the temperature in their homes at 18-20 degrees .
If you cannot afford to keep the temperature in your entire house at 18-20 degrees, concentrate on keeping a few rooms at this level.
Remain active – don’t stay sitting in the one spot for long periods.
Have at least one hot meal a day and take regular hot drinks.
If you experience chest pain or breathing problems, seek medical help immediately.
If an ambulance or medical personnel are delayed, contact a neighbour or friend. If your symptoms worsen, call the emergency services again.