"In conditions of exposure to a cold environment, the human body is required to maintain the core body temperature at a constant temperature (~ 37 °C), for the proper functioning of the organism", Areti Kapnia, researcher at the Environmental Physiology Laboratory FAME Laboratory of the School of Physical Education & Sports Science, University of Thessaly SEFAA, stresses to the Athenian Macedonian News Agency. Peripheral vasoconstriction, she adds, is a mechanism used by the human body to reduce blood flow to the skin and limbs, with the ultimate goal of keeping body temperature stable.
Prolonged exposure to a cold environment or inability of the body to ensure a stable body temperature can lead, according to her, to negative health effects. She continues: "Studies in the literature have linked exposure to cold environments to a range of negative health effects in various population groups.
Skin injuries such as chilblains and frostbite make their appearance after exposure to cold conditions, mainly in the upper and lower extremities, and are accompanied by symptoms such as redness, itching, or in more advanced cases, swelling or even skin ulcers.
Moreover, studies in the literature have shown that the cold environment can cause various health problems by impairing cardiovascular function."
In more detail, Areti Kapnia points out to APE-MPA: "Prolonged exposure to cold, by activating the mechanism of vasoconstriction, increases the concentration of blood in the core of the body, thus increasing the body's blood pressure."
More specifically, Areti Kapnia points out to APE-MPA: "Prolonged exposure to cold, by activating the mechanism of vasoconstriction, increases the concentration of blood in the core of the body, thus increasing the body's blood pressure. The accumulation of blood in the core of the body, and less in the periphery, increases the work of the heart (increased blood pressure). As a result, this has a negative impact on the population with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, worsening the symptoms of the disease during the winter months and, according to studies, appears to have a significant impact on their mortality levels, according to Kapnia.
In addition, she says, the health of people with chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, etc.) is threatened during exposure to low temperatures, particularly during the winter months, as cold air lowers the temperature and, more importantly, dehydrates the respiratory tract. This can start the process of inflammation, which can lead to a worsening of disease symptoms.
To conclude: "Protection from exposure to cold environments is an important factor in the proper functioning of the body. Proper clothing, good hydration and a discussion with our doctor, based on our individual health, are important means of prevention and reduce the negative effects of cold weather on our body."
While the winter months are certainly one of the most beautiful times of the year, there are also health risks. Proper prevention is always the first, and perhaps the most important, part of defending our health against the cold environment.
Source: APE-MPA
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