Question:

How can weather changes affect my health?

Answer from Express Scripts Canada Pharmacist, Janice Savini:

Our bodies slowly adjust to a certain climate, so when the weather changes suddenly, we can sometimes struggle to adapt. Fluctuations in weather can be extremely challenging to our immune system, they can strain our muscles and joints, and aggravate chronic skin conditions.

Here are three conditions that drastic weather changes can trigger:

Migraines can be caused by weather fluctuations, which can put pressure on the brain. Bright sunlight can trigger a migraine, but so can cold weather, as blood vessels narrow, reducing blood flow. Try and keep stress levels down at these times.

Upper respiratory infections, especially in those who have asthma can be triggered by cold air while the warmer months can bring with them more pollutants. Try to dress in layers during spring and fall, when temperatures vary considerably from morning to night.

And lastly, sinus and throat issues can be caused by alternating between heating and cooling systems, which can dry out the air in your home. Dry air filled with pollen, dust, mold and mildew can exacerbate chronic sinus and throat issues. To combat dryness, consider investing in a good humidifier, and change air filters every 6 months.

Perhaps one of the biggest effects weather can have on our health is when the temperature drops dramatically.

During cooler months, cold weather may increase:

Heart rate and blood pressure.

• As the heart pumps harder to keep you warm, this can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

You may also increase your exposure to cold or flu viruses.

• When cold weather arrives, we spend more time indoors in close contact with other people. Remember, viruses are transmitted before symptoms are even apparent, so try to keep those hands clean!

Warm weather can also increase colds and flu as we gather more frequently for sports and other outdoor activities. When the weather warms up, we want to get active, which can put sudden pressure on muscles and joints that may have been underused for months. This can lead to muscle strains and other injuries. Remember, when starting a new physical activity to ‘start low, and go slow’; stretch, and of course, dress appropriately!

Until next time, I’m Janice Savini, and this has been Ask the Pharmacist. I wish you good health.