It’s crucial to keep your health in check during the winter season, especially given the poor air quality we experience. More time spent indoors during cold weather may result in an accumulation of indoor air contaminants. Health issues brought on by winter can be managed in a number of ways.
The chilly weather may be catching you off guard in a few sneaky ways, despite the fact that strengthening your immune system, dressing in layers, and staying warm are vital for maintaining good health during winter.
According to Trevor Brewer, director of Air Treatment Specialists, Solenco outlines some of the most unsuspecting winter-related health problems and the solutions.
1. Gentle warmth, not scorching heat!
While it may seem like a hot shower, heater, or fireplace is all you need to get through the chilly winter days, it’s crucial to take into account your skin’s built-in barrier of defence. Cold weather and low humidity can cause your skin to feel tight, dry, and even unpleasant or irritated. High temperatures will only make an already compromised skin barrier worse, resulting in skin irritation, fissures, and even flare-ups of eczema. It’s critical to preserve your skin’s natural barrier as much as you can.
One of the most natural ways to achieve this, according to Brewer, is to stick to warm showers rather than hot ones, use heaters and fireplaces sparingly, or pair them with a good humidifier that can regulate the humidity level in the air, adding moisture and preserving your skin’s barrier.
2. Beware of excessive moisture
“Too much moisture can also be detrimental to your health,” says Brewer. Have you noticed the condensation on your windows when the heater has been on, and the windows shut? Even breathing in a poorly ventilated space can lead to condensation, dampness, and mould problems. Minor allergic reactions to severe respiratory diseases, such as asthma, can all be brought on by mould. A dehumidifier will help you fight excess moisture and any recurring mould problems if you have a habit of closing all the windows to keep the heat in or if you’re just attempting to deal with the local damp in Cape Town and Durban.
3. Indoor Air Quality matters
Another issue caused by insufficient ventilation and too much time spent indoors is the accumulation of indoor pollutants. “Along with the build-up of bacteria, dust mites, pet dander and seasonal viruses, particles called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) from commonly used household products can cause anything from headaches, dizziness and light-headedness to respiratory issues and allergies,” says Brewer. Think cleaning products, aerosol sprays, personal care products and even new furniture or carpets. “If you’re not taking stock of what you’re breathing in on a daily basis, then you should be using an air purifier with a multi-stage filtration system that can remove particles like VOCs from the air to keep you and your family protected.”
According to Brewer, new portable air quality monitors like the Atmotube PRO make it simple and convenient to navigate the difficulties of winter air quality and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable indoor season. These monitors track and measure pollutants, including VOCs, as well as temperature and humidity.
“Understanding the various ways in which the colder weather can affect your health allows you to proactively prioritise long-term well-being for yourself and your loved ones,” he says.
