The Dangers of Too-Dry Air

In the summer, humidity is one of our biggest complaints. It's hot, it's sticky, it makes the temperature feel 10+ degrees warmer than it actually is. Then come winter, we have the absolute opposite problem: the air is dry as can be. It makes it colder, our skin flaky and unprotected, and when it's cold enough, it downright hurts to breathe. Of course, on either end there is an easy fix for the inside of your home. And in winter that means running a humidifier or boiling a pot of water on the stove – keep one simmering slowly all day long for maximum effects. (That is, when you're close enough to keep an eye out.)

But is adding humidity really necessary? What exactly are the dangers of a house that's too dry? And why do we need a humidifier – homemade or otherwise – anyway?

When Your Home is Too Dry:

There's an abundance of static electricity. This makes sweaters and long hair annoying, whether on a human or your fur-baby rolling on the carpet. However, it can also mean giving out shocks every time you touch a light switch or anything metal. Small ones won't do much harm, but the bigger the shock, the harsher it's felt. (And more dangerous they can become.) 

Other symptoms play their toll directly on the body, like dry and itchy skin, watery or burning eyes, sinuses and throats that are irritated or in pain, which in turn, can make you more susceptible to germs and colds. Flu viruses can also live longer in low humidity, increasing your chance at being exposed. Finally, the nose can feel congested simply from being too dry. All of these symptoms can make you achy and feeling sick all on their own, whether or not you're actually sick. 

To avoid some serious health side effects, consider running your humidifier all winter long, or whenever moisture levels are low. It's an easy, affordable, and natural way to help feel your best, even through the height of cold season. 

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How to Stay Active in Cold Weather … And Why You Should Do It

For those who didn't grow up in extreme weather conditions, the effects can hit you much harder as an adult, especially when dealing with cold. That's a stat that's been proven time and again with cross-country moves and re-locations. We also feel extreme weather deeper as we age – another stat that's been shown with snowbirds and entire generations who are getting away as often as possible. There are, of course, those who actually like the cold weather and who go out of their way for chilly runs. 

But for the rest of the population – whether you're not as young as you use to be or have never liked the chill – winter can be a rough season for staying healthy. It's harder to exercise when freezing wind and moisture are a factor, yet the need to exercise remains. In fact, staying active in winter actually helps in a number of ways, like boosting your mood, encouraging the metabolism, and offsetting heavier meals that we crave on the worst of days. 

Staying Active in All Seasons

One way to get moving while avoiding the cold is to join a gym, which will provide a comfortable environment for exercise. However, if you can stomach it, outdoor workouts offer fresh air, a perk that helps the immune system and expands the lungs, and rougher terrain, which can advance your workout.    

Another route is to dress for the occasion. Layers are ideal, but you should also look into the type of clothing you're wearing; dry-fit and wind-blocking materials will do you the most good. 

Or, mix and match by getting outside when it's (somewhat) nice, then plan longer workouts inside when it's just too unpleasant. But no matter how you plan your winter activities, try to stay active all season long. It's a method that will do wonders for your health – and on all levels – and make it much easier for you to transition back into spring with a healthier, more fit you. 

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Changing Weather Patterns and your Sleep Habits

The outside temperature has always had an effect on just how well we’re able to sleep. That’s a pattern that’s always been true. Winter and early nights generally bring on deep bouts of sleep. While hot, sticky days can make rest hard to obtain. Eventually we become used to the weather, even if it does take a few weeks to do so. But when it’s constantly sling-shotting back and forth, it’s even harder to prep for bed. Knowing what layers of clothing to wear, how cool to set the thermostat, whether or not you should turn on a fan, and so on.

These unpredictable weather patterns are especially common in the Midwest. Where weather can fluctuate drastically, even within a single day. Just because it was hot that day, doesn’t mean it will be hot that night, and so on. 

However, such large variations in weather can also affect how you sleep. How well, at what time, clothing choice, thickness of sheets, and so on. Leaving you to either go on a whim each night, or to be constantly checking the weather – and even then, the body can make adjustments we don’t even know about. 

To regulate yourself, even when the climate has a mind of its own, consider taking charge of the few factors you can control. First off, stick to your routine. If you generally shower before bed, continue to do so at the same time each night – even if it stays light later into the evening. You should also continue lying down to sleep at your same time, even if that means reading or watching TV first. 

Account for temperature changes with the thermostat, or by wearing thicker or thinner PJs each night. A bedroom fan can also make a world of difference.

To avoid losing sleep, even through drastic changes, remember these simple constants to help improve everyday routine. 

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4 Ways Winter Can get you Out of Whack

By now, winter has been the season for multiple months. Meaning virtually everyone is tired of the cold – even those who generally love winter have had their fill of chilly months and cold precipitation. Especially those who’ve undergone multiple snowstorms. No matter your stance on winter, however, there is far more to the season than just how it affects our mood and our personal temperature. 

Keep these additional issues in mind during winter months to plan for better overall health.

4. Ice Jarring

Even the least accident prone among us have fallen victim to a slick patch of ice. Whether completely falling down or hitting a patch and struggling to find balance (you know, the really graceful act where your arms are flailing and look like you got attacked by a pack of bees), it can get your muscles out of whack. As well as your bone or spine alignment. 

3. Shivering

Trying to get warm leads the body to huddle and scrunch in some seriously unnatural ways. Though you might not notice it at the time, straining to get warm can pull or tense muscles, potentially causing injury. 

2. Dehydration

A constantly running heater can cause seriously dry skin. However, you might not feel excessively thirsty, even when you’re in need of H20. Dry skin can also itch and be susceptible to rashes or sores, diminishing its health in the process.

1. Eating Habits

When we’re cold, nothing sounds better than a heavy meal. Or a hot cup of coffee. However, these steamy and rich habits can slow down the digestion process, as well as cause us to take in too much caffeine. 

To avoid some of these winter-based side effects, one of the best places to start is simply being aware of what they can do. Take note of your winter environment, along with habits, to start avoiding the above today. 

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4 Tips to Get Through Winter with Acid Reflux

Suffering from sleep apnea is never a welcome event. But when triggers are upped, those side effects can become increasingly worse. Especially when factors can’t be controlled, such as with winter allergens, or spices you didn’t know would keep you from getting quality sleep. No matter the cause however, or even if you might know what the cause may be, there are plenty of simple adjustments to help get you through the winter months.

When the temperature drops, gain better sleep by:

4. Eating Lighter … or Earlier

Winter is often cause for heartier and heavier meals. Which, unfortunately, can trigger some serious acid reflux. Go light on the second helping, or eat at earlier dinner and give the body more time to digest your favorite winter dishes. 

3. Layer an Extra Blanket

Keep the thermostat down a degree or two, then add an extra blanket to your bed in order to stay warm. This simple change will help you sleep deeper, while also providing for better digestion practices. This will work to keep stomach acid where it belongs: in the stomach. 

2. Go to Bed Early

It’s dark early anyway – why not gain a few extra Zs? Set your bedtime 30 minutes or so earlier than normal (or even more if you’re feeling especially efficient) to gain more sleep. This will allow the body to “set” its time to drift off, which naturally allows you to ease into a deeper layer of rest. 

1. Cool Down the Shower

Showering right before bed might be a great way to relax from the cold, especially when there’s plenty of steam involved. But it’s also a practice that can raise your core body temp, making it more difficult to fall or stay asleep. Take showers earlier in the evening or cool down the temp to avoid this side effect.

Stick to these simple tips to gain better, more restful sleep all winter long. 

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