Winter is in Full-Swing and can Affect your Health Unexpectedly

With winter comes ample opportunity for risks that can affect your overall health. From spending the day on the slopes to simply spending time outdoors, winter weather can be fun, but also unpredictable. With severe cold weather coming and going, the doctors at Care Station Medical Group urge everyone not to underestimate the ways winter can impact your health and advise you to visit your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual or abnormal symptoms.

Whether it’s falling on the snowy mountain or shoveling right outside your house, accidents are sometimes inevitable -- and the cold weather can cause additional stress to those with arthritis and other joint pain. Sometimes an unexpected fall may require immediate treatment or the added strain on your body may necessitate extra attention to problem areas.

“It is very important for anyone who breaks a bone or is experiencing unusual or excruciating pain in problem areas to be assessed immediately,” said Dr. Richard Bezozo, CEO of Care Station Medical Group. “Coming to us early and receiving care immediately is an important step in any healing process. Winter has typically proven to be a time where we experience a greater number of fall injuries and patients experiencing musculoskeletal pains. Taking care of yourself and your body throughout the year, and especially during the colder months, is the best way to keep yourself healthy, and the best way to do that starts with a visit to your primary care physician.”

In addition to the strain cold weather puts on your bones and muscles, there is also added strain for older adults on their heart. According to the American Heart Association, the number of heart attacks climbs during the winter. And while this is largely due to overexertion while shoveling, there is also an increase in heart attacks even in warmer climates. In colder weather, your arteries are constricted, which forces your heart to work harder. Those at risk for, or with pre-existing heart disease should not be outside shoveling. It’s also important to maintain an active lifestyle and healthy diet during the winter months to remain as in-shape and healthy as possible.

Furthermore, winter weather and temperatures typically have an impact on a person’s breathing, as you’re constantly going from the cool temperatures outside to warm temperatures inside. Those who suffer from asthma or allergies are at risk during the winter season due to the increased stress on a person’s lungs. Not only can the change in temperature trigger asthmatic symptoms, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza can cause asthma attacks and aggravate its symptoms, which can also lead to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. And while many people associate allergies with pollen which is highly prevalent during the spring, there are many warmer weather irritants that can affect you during the winter as well.

“Winter poses a serious strain on healthy individuals, and even more on those with predisposed conditions,” said Dr. Bezozo “It’s extremely important to be vigilant during winter months and to not over-exert yourself if you know you suffer from any of these ailments.”

Moreover, it can be difficult to differentiate the symptoms you are experiencing to determine exactly what illness you may be enduring. The number one piece of advice in this case would be to see your medical care provider. Determining whether you’re suffering from the flu, bronchitis, strep or the common cold is essential and, in some cases, can even save your life.

Winter illnesses can take a toll on your body and immune system, leaving you at risk for other infections and diseases. Be sure to visit your primary care physician as soon as you experience any abnormal or unusual symptoms to stay safe throughout the winter months.

No appointment is necessary at Care Station in the Linden, Secaucus, Springfield and West Orange locations, but appointments may be scheduled ahead of time. For appointments at any Care Station location, please call 908-925-2273.

About Care Station Medical Group:

Quality primary, urgent and occupational care, along with extended hours, is available at four Care Station Medical Group locations, in Linden, West Orange, Springfield and Secaucus. No appointment is necessary for your urgent medical care needs at Care Station. Affiliated practices in Garwood and Succasunna provide primary care by appointment only. Care Station Medical Group accepts most insurance plans and has provided exceptional care to its patients since 1990.

For more information on urgent care services, to make an appointment, or other medical information, visit CareStationMedical.com.