IN Millcreek Winter 2018 | Page 71

NIAGARA network Helping People Move Forward with Their Lives. Winter Wellness for Seniors in Millcreek A s many Millcreek residents know, winter in the Northeast can be cold and overcast with lots of snow, wind and ice. We hope the following tips will help keep you and your loved ones healthy, warm and well throughout the winter in this place where we call home. STAY HEALTHY The winter months bring the typical cold weather ailments that are prevalent in our region. Influenza season typically kicks off in October on the heels of autumn allergy season and is most predominant between December and March. Other cold weather illnesses include the common cold, RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (a particularly severe lung infection) and gastroenteritis or stomach virus. Prevention is key with these highly contagious illnesses. First and foremost, get vaccinated against Influenza! If you are at risk, your physician may recommend vaccination against pneumonia as well. Other common-sense strategies include frequent hand washing, good nutrition, consuming plenty of fluids, adequate rest, avoiding those who are ill, and wiping down publicly shared surfaces. Additionally, your physician may recommend Vitamin C, Zinc and Echinacea. This time of year, the colder climate, and dramatic fluctuations in temperature and barometric pressure can exacerbate chronic diseases and a multitude of conditions. Winter weather can worsen cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory diseases, diabetes and diabetic related conditions, arthritis conditions and even chronic skin ailments. Cold temperatures put stress on the cardiovascular system by constricting major blood vessels, increasing blood pressure, increasing heart rate putting more demand on the heart causing angina, CHF and even heart attack or stroke. Cold weather can make blood thicker increasing risk of clotting. Know your risk factors and recognize you may need to be more diligent in monitoring your blood pressure, pulse, signs and symptoms of CHF and possibly require an adjustment in your medications by your physician. Any signs of a heart attack or stroke is an immediate 911 situation! Cold air is a major trigger of exacerbation in chronic lung diseases. Increased wheezing and shortness of breath are due to the constriction of airways. Loosely covering your face and mouth with a scarf to warm the air when outside is recommended. Diligence in taking routine meds, preventing respiratory infections and keeping rescue inhalers close at hand is critical. Diabetics can experience higher than normal blood sugars due to the stress and strain of excessive cold causing increases in Cortisol and Adrenaline. These hormones cause increased release of glucose. More frequent monitoring of blood sugars and adjustments in your medication regimen by your physician may be needed. Additionally, Insulin and testing supplies need to be protected from extreme cold. Extreme temperatures alter the potency of insulin and can cause inaccurate glucometer readings. Arthritis experts do not support any direct association between cold wet weather and an increase in arthritic pain. However, theories do support that an increase in barometric pressure Continued on next page > MILLCREEK ❘ WINTER 2018 69