Doctors advise precautions with onset of winter

A few simple lifestyle changes can keep you away from hospitals

LAHORE: With the arrival of winter, medical experts have advised people to stay warm in order to avoid colds, flu, skin cracks and joint pains among other respiratory ailments synonymous with the drop in mercury.

“A few precautionary measures can make you stay away from hospitals that have already started receiving a large number of patients of respiratory problems,” said Dr Salman Kazmi, a general physician at Mayo Hospital.

During the winter season, he said, viral infections ‘spread like wildfire’ and are capable of being transmitted from person to person within hours. Most viral infections result in sore throats, cough and nasal discharge.

Dr Salman said children were the most vulnerable to ailments in winter with diarrhoea, skin problems and dryness among the most common problems. “They should be given food rich in vitamin A. Eating carrots and drumsticks can be helpful,” he added.

He advised asthmatic patients to always carry preventive inhalers as respiratory tract infections were common. The elderly people should avoid morning walks and prefer to go for a walk during the warmer hours.

“We have recorded slightly more cases of heart attacks, as there is a tendency of blood clotting during winters also,” he said. “People must avoid junk and unhygienic foods during this season and should not miss their blood-thinning drugs like aspirin, etc.”

ENT specialist Dr Owais Samee while talking to The Express Tribune advised people to avoid drinking cold water and eating spicy food, saying common precautions like wearing warm cloths and footwear can go a long way in staving off diseases in winters.

“The body temperature depends on a healthy lifestyle,” he said, stressing the need for a balanced died and regular exercise, avoiding fatty and oily food, and eating fruits and vegetables.

Dermatologist Dr Abdul Basit said the skin damage during winters occurred because of the lack of moisture. “Skin problems like excessive dry skin, cracked heels and dandruff are very common during winter” he said. “To avoid these problems, people must use warm water while bathing and eat healthy homemade food.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2016.