The FINANCIA — Paradoxically, the health effects of cold exposure are greater in the Mediterranean and southern countries in the European Region than in northern countries, where housing tends to be well heated and people wear warm clothing.
According to World Health Organization extremely cold weather increases mortality and poses a high health risk to many, particularly vulnerable groups. Disruptions in services and infrastructure can further indirectly aggravate the health effects, but knowing the risks and the measures needed to prepare for and respond to cold weather can help prevent them.
People can be exposed to cold temperatures at home, at work, while commuting or during leisure activities. Typically, exposure occurs during cold weather (including cold-waves) or in cold water. Such exposure, whether indoors or outside, can cause a range of health effects, from light symptoms to serious or life-threatening health outcomes.
The people most affected — Although anyone can suffer cold-related health effects, some people are at greater risk. Those most vulnerable during cold spells include elderly people, infants, children and teenagers, and people who have chronic diseases or physical or mental limitations, are taking certain medications or are malnourished.
Individuals’ and families’ economic and social status also play an important role: cold weather affects people who are poor, homeless or marginalized more severely.
Workers in some occupations, such as agriculture, fishing and construction, may endure greater cold exposure, so they must be vigilant for injuries and other health effects and wear adequate protective gear.
Additionally, certain behaviour – excess use of alcohol, some outdoor leisure activities and inappropriate clothing – can put people at increased risk from cold exposure.
What the public can do in preparation for and during cold weather — Ensuring that homes are well insulated and that windows and curtains are closed properly, and checking on water pipes to prevent water freezing in them;
Making sure heaters are safe and appropriate for the space in which they are used;
considering vaccination for influenza (checking with the general practitioner – GP);
for homes that are in areas prone to cold spells or isolated, stocking additional food, water and medicine;
Being prepared to manage interruptions in heating, electricity and/or other services.
During cold weather, people should:
Pay attention to public health advice, weather forecasts and warnings, and travel updates;
seek advice from their GPs, and for those with chronic diseases, ask about specific risks and appropriate medication doses;
Wear appropriate layers of warm clothing, and remember to cover the hands, feet and head;
consume warm meals regularly;
Drink enough fluids, but avoid very cold drinks;
Avoid alcohol and tobacco, which increase the likelihood of adverse effects from cold;
take regular physical exercise, but take additional care when exercising or being physically active outside;
Avoid standing or sitting still for long periods in the cold;
Make sure the indoor air is sufficiently warm, with at least one room heated to 18–21 °C (ideally living areas and bathrooms should be 20–22°C, and other occupied rooms 18 °C);
If using solid fuels (such as charcoal, wood, or coal) for cooking and heating, ensure rooms are ventilated regularly;
Be cautious when using heaters and electric blankets;
Look out for warning signs on the skin from cold exposure (numbness in fingers and toes means the risk of cold injuries has increased and a pale spot on the face or other skin areas is a sign of a cold injury, so warm the area immediately, and protect the skin from further cooling).
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