The impact of cold weather on your body and what to do
In some countries, such as Estonia, Canada, Iceland and Russia winters can last up to five months, and temperatures can drop to as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Whereas you may picture games in the snow, white Christmas, and hot chocolate with marshmallows in front of the fireplace, cold weather may have some nasty side effects on 聽your body that you better be prepared for.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: It's what you may better know as the 鈥渨inter blues鈥�. The term was introduced in the early 1980s by the South African psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal, who after moving to New York, noticed that his energy levels and productivity dropped during the winter. Whether the 鈥渨inter blues鈥� are for real, or just a matter of self-imposed gloominess, expatriates can still fight those feelings of weakness and melancholy 鈥� keep your body active, meet with other expats (preferably indoors), spend time on the things you love.
Flu: You can end up bedridden for days due to this contagious respiratory illness usually caused by viruses. Although many of the flu's symptoms are very similar to the common cold, the flu is much more persevering. During heavy winters, keep your immune system strong and healthy with a diet rich in goodness 鈥� fruits and veggies, legumes, fish, broths, and nuts. Also, stop foreign germs by frequently washing your hands and face 鈥� alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative, but don't overdo it because researches suggest that triclosan can weaken your immune system. Expats over 50 years old, or those at high-risk of developing flu should consider the flu vaccine.
Sore throat and runny nose: These are usually the first signs of a cold, and if you are lucky, or ready to tackle them, they may not progress to cough, fever, and body aches. Drink liquids, put your pack of cigarettes aside, avoid air pollution and crowded spaces, and don't hesitate to follow the vintage recipe of salt water for gargling.
Asthma: Expats suffering from asthma, have to be very careful when moving to a cold country. Spending too much time indoors, you are prone to mold, pet danders, various smells, and dust that can trigger the asthma 鈥� which can become an attack outside with the breath of cold air. So, study your triggers and try to avoid them, cover your mouth and nose when you hop outside, and always have your medicine at hand.
Joint pain: If you are one of those who claim they can predict the weather depending on the intensity of their joint pain, we totally believe you 鈥� studies have proven that changes in weather temperature can increase the pain. Thus, if you have expatriated to a cold country, or are planning to, and you are suffering from arthritis, remember that what your joints like is warmth. Add to your everyday routine some stretching, jogging in place while watching your favourite TV show, and apply heating pads. 聽
Injuries: Maybe this isn't something that directly comes to an expat's mind when considering moving to a country with heavy winters, but people familiar with snowy and icy conditions, know that they are susceptible to traffic and slip and fall accidents. There's no need to live in fear 鈥� instead take some basic but life-saving precautions. Among others, wear the proper footwear, walk slowly, change your car tires, and maintain safe distance with the car in front.
