Skip to main content

Chilling Effects of Winter Weather on Your Health

4 min read

By Jeff Hayward

Some of us are summer lovers, while others prefer the chill of winter. We’re betting most people fall into the first category and there may be a good reason why many feel the need to escape to a tropical beach during a deep freeze in the winter—our bodies are just not designed for freezing temperatures.

Here are six ways a wicked winter can impact you…

The Winter Blues

If you have an underlying health condition, you may want to avoid staying outside for long periods of time when the thermometer takes a major dip. Otherwise, winter can actually be quite enjoyable for many reasons that are impacted by seasonal changes.

While not all effects on your health from the cold are negative (some can actually be positive, according to my previous article 7 Reasons You Shouldn’t be Icy About Winter). So don’t focus on longer nights and shoveling snow, change your perspective to the best sides of winter (i.e., lack of bugs, better sleeping) and don’t hide in the basement all winter.

Increased Blood Pressure

According to research from the Mayo Clinic, the cold weather can shrink the diameter of your blood vessels, taxing your circulation system and increasing the workload on your heart. This could cause a heart attack if you are already at risk.

The clinic recommends monitoring your blood pressure if you’re going out into frigid conditions, to ensure there are no big changes. Your doctor can combat this effect of the cold on your heart by adding or changing your dose of blood pressure medication.

Frequent Urination

If you notice you have to tinkle more often when you’re out in the cold, you’re not imagining it. According to Motherboard (VICE magazine), there are a few theories on this. First, because your body’s blood pressure rises when it’s freezing, your bladder tries to compensate by pulling liquid out of your body.

Another theory, according to the magazine, is that proteins called aquaporins are responsible for increased trips to the bathroom (or the woods). If it’s cold (and if you’re intoxicated), these proteins that are responsible for helping water travel are inhibited—thus it stays in general circulation (instead of going to your brain and the kidneys), and liquid ends up in your bladder.

Frostbite

Everyone has heard of frostbite, but if you’ve actually had it, you know that it’s not something you want to experience again. Frostbite occurs when the tissues of your skin actually freeze, and mostly affects the more vulnerable extremities (ears, toes and fingers, for example).

Frostbite can cause your skin to become a pale white and even hard like ice, and it requires medical attention because you can end up with damage to nerve endings, muscles and even bones. The skin can blister and then turn black after the skin defrosts, and be accompanied by pain.

Blurred Vision

The band KISS had a hit song decades ago called “Snow Blind”, and it was probably on to something. If you’re out snowmobiling or skiing without adequate eye protection against the extreme cold, your eye’s corneas can actually freeze, cause temporary blurriness.

While joggers and runners won’t likely have this problem as tears keep the eyes from freezing (from salt content), if you’re moving at faster speeds with your eyes open, Princeton University says your corneas can actually can turn to ice cubes (well, not literally). Rapid thawing of the cornea is achieved by placing a warm hand (or a compress) over the frozen eye, after which it should be covered with a patch for up to 2-days, said the university.

Hypothermia

This is caused by exposure to cold temperatures that lower your body’s core temperature—mainly in situations when you’re wet and cold at the same time (like if you fall into freezing water). While the average core temperature for a normal adult is 98.6 F, LiveScience says mild hypothermia can occur if that number drops even about 4-degrees.

Just for fun, the website explains what happens to you as the number drops: at 91-Fahrenheit, you experience memory loss, at 82- Fahrenheit you can fall unconscious, and below 70- Fahrenheit you can die. However, there was a case when someone in icy water for a prolonged time recovered from a core temperature drop to 56.7- Fahrenheit, according to LiveScience (don’t try to beat this record).

Writer, General Health

Jeff has more than 15 years of experience writing professionally about health, travel and the arts among other subjects. He continuously looks to improve his own overall health through exercise, diet and mindfulness. He is also a proud stay-at-home dad that loves taking photographs both professionally and as a hobby.

Your Health

Explore

Side Effects of Psoriatic Arthritis To Know
By Clarissa Vanner Your Health

Side Effects of Psoriatic Arthritis To Know

Psoriatic arthritis is more than just joint pain—it’s a chronic condition that can ripple through many aspects of your life. From physical symptoms like swollen fingers and painful joints to emotional challenges such as fatigue and stress, psoriatic arthritis impacts daily routines and overall well-being. Understanding these side effects is essential for managing the condition […]

Read More about Side Effects of Psoriatic Arthritis To Know

3 min read

How To Manage Holiday Expectations (Without Guilt)
By Clarissa Vanner Your Health

How To Manage Holiday Expectations (Without Guilt)

The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but it often comes with the weight of expectations that can lead to stress and guilt. Balancing traditions, family demands, and personal well-being can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to meet everyone’s needs. The key to a happier holiday lies in setting boundaries, managing expectations, and focusing […]

Read More about How To Manage Holiday Expectations (Without Guilt)

3 min read

Healthy Habits That Boost Productivity
By Clarissa Vanner Your Health

Healthy Habits That Boost Productivity

Boosting productivity goes beyond just working harder—it’s about working smarter and adopting daily habits that support your mind and body. Incorporating healthy habits into your routine can help improve focus, energy levels, and efficiency throughout the day. From nourishing nutrition to strategic breaks and exercise, small changes can lead to significant results. Learn how to […]

Read More about Healthy Habits That Boost Productivity

3 min read