During the cold, dry winter with limited sunlight, various health problems can occur. Skin dryness or seasonal depression increase, and the risk of respiratory illnesses such as colds, flu, and COVID-19 also rises. The UK daily newspaper Daily Mail introduced unexpected health issues that can arise in winter and ways to improve them.

 

joint pain

 

During the winter months, arthritis and joint pain tend to worsen. Causes of joint pain include viral infections, inflammatory conditions such as tendinitis, or injuries.

Most commonly associated with arthritis are osteoarthritis, where the cartilage between bones wears down, and rheumatoid arthritis, where joint tissues become swollen.

Experts say, "People with arthritis experience worsening symptoms when the temperature drops." Although the exact reason is not yet fully understood, there are several theories.

 

Firstly, when the weather gets colder, the body circulates less blood to the joints and instead focuses on the body's core organs. Experts say, "This can cause joint stiffness and ultimately pain," and also mention that "the body becomes more sensitive to pain caused by the cold."

According to a study, 117 patients with rheumatoid arthritis reported more severe joint pain in winter compared to spring. Frequent exposure to cold weather is also associated with the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

 

According to a study involving over 5,000 workers, people working outdoors were 50% more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Experts advise, "Patients with joint pain should avoid outdoor activities whenever possible in cold weather," and "Maintaining indoor exercise regularly can help preserve health."

 

Bone loss

 

Osteoporosis mainly occurs in old age. When osteoporosis develops, bones become weak and more prone to breaking, increasing the risk of fractures. Our body has difficulty absorbing calcium, an essential nutrient for the skeleton, during the winter months.

This causes bone loss to worsen. It is related to the amount of sunlight exposure, or sunlight hours. During winter, the decrease in sunlight hours also reduces the time spent in sunlight. As a result, the body produces less vitamin D from sunlight exposure.

 

Vitamin D helps the body process and properly absorb calcium. According to research, vitamin D obtained through sunlight exposure is necessary to maintain calcium levels required for normal cell and bone function.

 

Since foods containing vitamin D are rare, sunlight is considered the main source. Experts said, "During winter, care should be taken to prevent falls when elderly people are outdoors," and "Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help overcome the effects of bone loss."