Falling temperatures: 9 tips to stop being cold

To respond to plummeting temperatures, and because it wants to maintain its temperature around 37.5°C, the cold human body implements actions to fight against the loss of heat. For this, it accelerates its heart rate, it increases its oxygen consumption, and it reduces the diameter of its blood vessels. This last phenomenon is explained by the fact that the heat exchange between the exterior and the body takes place through the blood which circulates in the veins.

Unfortunately, these actions, carried out voluntarily by the body, can lead, in spite of itself, to serious consequences, such as the formation of clots. In extreme cases, these can lead to myocardial infarction. This is why people with heart disease are particularly sensitive to freezing temperatures.

3 tips to better withstand the cold

When you go outside, protect your extremities, such as your hands, feet and head. These parts of the body are particularly susceptible to biting cold, so be sure to keep them warm by wearing gloves, thick socks and a hat.
Be sure to dress in successive layers of clothing (known as the onion method). This allows you to keep the heat close to your body. Wear a layer of thermal underwear to keep you warm, then add lighter layers on top to protect you from the cold. Choose materials that will keep you warm and are waterproof, such as wool or polyester.
Finally, if you must go out, limit the time you spend outside and regularly seek out a warm place to warm up. You can also use hot water bottles or heating pads to keep warm when you are indoors.

The direct action of cold on the human body

If you cannot “catch cold”, the cold indirectly favors the entry of viruses and bacteria by weakening the respiratory mucous membranes.

A person who stays in the cold for a long time, when they are not sufficiently covered, is also likely to see their internal temperature drop. If the latter falls below the 35°C mark, the person risks hypothermia. Initially resulting in the appearance of chills, chattering of teeth and discoloration of the skin which becomes, moreover, very cold, this phenomenon can then worsen. The affected person begins to lose his speech, while his heartbeat becomes irregular. In the most serious cases, hypothermia can unfortunately lead to the death of the patient.

This is why it is advisable to limit your movements when it is very cold, above all to cover yourself well, and to consult a doctor in the event of problems. Also beware of frostbite which can appear quickly, especially in windy conditions. Even if they are superficial, frostbite is painful: warm your hands by immersing them in a basin of hot water (about 38°C).