01/24/2026
Here are some key winter facts to consider as we navigate these cold temps:
Heart Strain: Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, raising blood pressure and forcing the heart to work harder. Shoveling snow is particularly risky for heart health.
Viral Transmission: Viruses like cold and flu often thrive in cooler temperatures, and immune responses in the nose are weakened by cold air. Being indoors in close quarters is the primary driver of winter sickness, rather than just cold temperatures.
Hidden Dangers:
Sunburn/Eye Damage: Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, making sunscreen and sunglasses necessary.
Dehydration: Cold air has low humidity, drying out skin and mucous membranes, requiring increased hydration.
Alcohol: Alcohol does not warm you up; it causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to faster body heat loss.
Mental Health: The "winter blues" or Season Affective Disorder (SAD) is real, often triggered by decreased sunlight and increased isolation.
Safety Risk: Carbon monoxide poisoning increases in winter due to the use of generators, heaters, and fire places in closed spaces.