Kolkata Shivers: How to Keep Your Family Healthy This Coldest Winter

 

Introduction

This year , people living in Kolkata are shivering due to its coldest January in over 10 years! The cold winter feel is a refreshing shift from the warmer months, but as the temperature continues to drop and the AQI (Air Quality Index) continues to climb, it creates an excellent environment for a lot of people to become ill. At Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata, there has been an alarming increase in the cases of "Kolkata Wheeze", which is typically caused by a combination of a viral flu virus, allergies and other respiratory problems.

In this post, we break down how you can stay ahead of the winter slump with smart wellness tips and the right diagnostic checkups.

1.Kolkata's 'Kolkata Wheeze' Creates Air Quality Problems

During the winter months, heavy fog falls quickly to the ground due to a temperature inversion; therefore, when pollution builds up under a thick layer of fog, it creates a smog-like effect. The high concentration of pollution (e.g., PM2.5) causes asthma and hay-fever symptoms for those who have been exposed to it for an extended time. Take Action Now: The best protection for yourself and your family is the continued use of an N95 mask when entering a crowded area or areas with high traffic volume, i.e. Gariahat and Park Street. An N95 mask filters not only viruses, but also the fine particulates of PM2.5.

Pathological Evidence: If you have a common cold that lasts longer than one week, this may indicate an allergy; the Allergy Panel Test can help determine the exact allergens that may be causing your symptoms.

2. Heart Health: Silent Heart Health Did you know that cold weather causes your blood vessels to constrict (called vasoconstriction) in order to keep your body warm? As a result, cold weather often causes a quick increase in blood pressure, which adds excess pressure on the heart (especially for older adults). To keep your heart healthy, take the following action steps: Avoid doing anything overly strenuous early in the morning, when the temperature is at its lowest. Dress in layers to help keep your body temperature stable. As for pathology, testing of your blood lipids and C-reactive protein (CRP) would be a good way to keep track of inflammation and cholesterol levels throughout the winter months.

Did you know that cold weather causes your blood vessels to constrict (called vasoconstriction) in order to keep your body warm? As a result, cold weather often causes a quick increase in blood pressure, which adds excess pressure on the heart (especially for older adults). To keep your heart healthy, take the following action steps: Avoid doing anything overly strenuous early in the morning, when the temperature is at its lowest. Dress in layers to help keep your body temperature stable. As for pathology, testing of your blood lipids and C-reactive protein (CRP) would be a good way to keep track of inflammation and cholesterol levels throughout the winter months.

3.Vitamin D & B12 for Improved Immunity

In the winter we tend to have less exposure to the sun and stay indoors; therefore our bodies produce less vitamin D. Since Vitamin D supports your body's ability to mount a strong immune response, it can be especially important during cold months. Likewise, a deficiency in vitamin B12 may contribute to feelings of fatigue/weakness during winter months. Take Action: Include winter greens and eggs in your diet this season. Nutritional Warning: A simple vitamin profile may reveal that your winter blues are actually caused by poor nutrition.

Learn More About Vitamin D Test

4. Keep Yourself Hydrated Because Hydration Goals Are Already Set

In Kolkata’s humid summers, people are constantly hydrating with fluids. However, as the temperature gets cool during winter, hydration tends to be neglected. The sticking of mucus to your lungs because of dehydration makes it difficult for your body to remove a respiratory infection.

Recommended Action: Drink or sip warm water or herbal teas every couple of hours.

5. Screening Helps You Enjoy Kolkata’s Winter Festivals And Festive Foods.

Getting screened for high blood sugar levels caused by overindulging in sweets during the winter months allows you to have peace of mind that you’re healthy inside and out. Additionally, early detection of fluctuating thyroid hormone levels prevents more serious problems later on.

Reasons to Select Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata?

Health goals should not be compromised because of the weather. We can help you achieve them by bringing a lab to your door.

Collect Sample From Home: No need to face the morning's cold. Our trained phlebotomists will come to your house to collect samples.

NABL Accredited Reports For Accuracy: Get Accurate Reports To Your Email Or WhatsApp.    

Conclusion

This winter is historic for Kolkata. Let’s make sure your health is just as resilient. Stay warm, stay masked, and keep your health checkups on track.