(Note: The links in the post may be affiliate links. You can read our disclosure policy here.)
I’m a southern girl! Southern Michigan that is! Fall seems to hit fast and hard with old man winter waiting in the wings!
Seasonal changes bring a host of problems to those with chronic illnesses. Weather-sensitive people can notice an increase in the number of their symptoms. The addition of viruses and bacterial illnesses can become life-threatening to those with certain chronic conditions. Here are a few of the changes one could experience….
- Increased irritability
- Increased fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches or Migraines
- Rheumatic pain
- Feelings of anxiety and depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Heart or circulation irregularities
- The overall increase in pain
In light of that wonderful news, I thought it would be a good idea to make sure we’re prepared to get a bit chilly!
I know too often I’ve gone to the medicine cabinet for my son’s inhaler or my grandson’s fever medicine only to find the boxes empty or expired. Having to make a midnight run to the drug store or trip to the supermarket in a snowstorm is the last thing you want to do! It’s better to take a look now and be prepared in advance!
9 Tips To Help You Get Through The Chilly Season! #chronicillness #invisibleillness #spoonieHere are 9 tips to help you get through the cold a bit more comfortably:
1. Heat things up! – Applying heat with a heating blanket for 20 minutes at a time or taking a hot bath can offer temporary pain relief and relief from stiffness. Pull that blanket out of summer storage and be sure it’s working. If you prefer microwaveable heating bags make sure they’re handy! I recently purchased this little rechargeable hand warmer and it’s come in really handy so far! (Handy…. 😉 See what I did there? Punny, huh?!)
2. Warm up your insides! – Hot beverages like coffee, cocoa, tea, or hot apple cider or foods like soups and oatmeal can help bring comfort to aches and pains.
3. Take some vitamin D3!– During the winter months, our skin doesn’t get the chance to absorb as much sunlight. Taking a vitamin D3 supplement can help give your body this essential nutrient which is shown to help the immune system and pain sensitivity among other benefits. (Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting a new supplement.)
4. Snuggle in the car! – Having a blanket handy for cold car rides will help keep the negative effects of the cold at bay and make you more comfortable as you travel! They even have some electric heating blankets that you can plug into your car!
5. Bundle up! – Be sure you know where your hat, gloves, and scarves can be found. These items are essential for warmth as you venture outside! Also, warming the car before you leave the house will lessen the amount of time your body is exposed to chilly weather.
6. Check your medicine cabinet! – Be sure you have full asthma inhalers handy and in a spot where you can grab them quickly. Check expiration dates on all over-the-counter meds and be sure you have an adequate supply. Don’t wait until the need arises! You may find you’re too sick to get out or the weather conditions could cancel a trip to the grocery store.
7. Keep germs to yourself!– Make sure you’re stocked up with tissues, hand sanitizer, and hand soap.
8. Humidify the air! – Not only can a humidifier help soothe dry noses and throats it can also reduce the number of viruses and bacteria that thrive in dry air. Be sure to keep it clean and sanitized or mold and mildew might develop and cause more harm than good!
9. Stay hydrated! – Having the furnace and heaters on can cause our bodies to become dry and dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help your immune system flush out viruses and keep fluids looser to make coughs more productive. Certain symptoms such as digestive disorders, acid reflux, joint pain, asthma, high blood pressure, and allergies can worsen if your body isn’t adequately hydrated.
Have a plan of attack ready and be prepared. Be mindful of your symptoms! And as always, be sure to see your doctor before taking any supplements or making any changes to your health routine!
