Go Back
  • For Business
  • |
  • Warnings
  • Data Suite
  • Newsletters
  • Advertising
  • Superior Accuracy™
Tropical trouble could stir near Southeast beaches around 4th of July. Get details Chevron right
4th of July forecast: Thunderstorms to focus over Upper Midwest, Plains and Florida. Chevron right

Columbus, OH

80°F
Location Chevron down
Location News Videos
Use Current Location
Recent

Columbus

Ohio

80°
No results found.
Try searching for a city, zip code or point of interest.
settings
Columbus, OH Weather
Today WinterCast Local {stormName} Tracker Hourly Daily Radar MinuteCast Monthly Air Quality Health & Activities

Around the Globe

Hurricane Tracker

Severe Weather

Radar & Maps

News

News & Features

Astronomy

Business

Climate

Health

Recreation

Sports

Travel

For Business

Warnings

Data Suite

Newsletters

Advertising

Superior Accuracy™

Video

Winter Center

AccuWeather Early Hurricane Center Top Stories Trending Today Astronomy Heat Climate Health Recreation In Memoriam Case Studies Blogs & Webinars

News / Weather News

6 unexpected ways winter affects your health

By Stephanie Koons, AccuWeather staff writer

Copied

Cold weather can cause or aggravate a myriad of health conditions.

While people tend to focus on common ailments such as cold and flu, there are lesser-known health risks that are associated with winter.

1. Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell. According to Dr. Jeahan Colletti, an emergency medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic, extreme cold weather causes airways to tighten, making breathing even more difficult for individuals who suffer from asthma.

In addition, cold weather increases the respiratory rate, which leads many people to breathe through their mouths. As a result, cold, dry air enters the lungs and causes inflammation of the airways.

asthma

(LSOphoto/iStock/Thinkstock)

LSOphoto

Those who suffer from asthma should keep an inhaler close at all times, Colletti said. She also recommended that asthma sufferers wear scarves around their faces to warm the air before they breathe it into their lungs to prevent airway inflammation.

2. Allergies

Most people think of spring with its high pollen counts as prime time for allergies. However, according to WebMD, many warm weather irritants like pet dander, mold and mildew are around all year.

dusting

(Moodboard/iStock/Thinkstock)

Since people tend to spend more time indoors in confined spaces during the winter, Colletti said, their exposure to these elements spikes. To combat the spread of allergens, people should wash their hands and face frequently. She also advised vacuuming the house and washing bedding often.

3. Arthritis

There are many types of arthritis, all of which involve inflammation of the joints.

“During the winter months, every single (arthritis patient) comes in with significantly more pain,” Dr. Houman Danesh, director of Integrative Pain Management for Mount Sinai Hospital, said.

RELATED:

Shoveling snow increases risk for winter heart attacks, experts say

According to Danesh, a rise in barometric pressure (the pressure exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere) during the winter months exacerbates arthritis symptoms and other joint and spine issues. To counteract stiffness in the joints, he recommended stretching and conducting tension release exercises.

He also said it’s important to use a humidifier and make an extra effort to stay hydrated in the winter, since heaters suck out the moisture in the air. Hydration is essential to maintain overall joint health.

arthritis

(blyjack/iStock/Thinkstock)

4. Frostbite

Many people have some knowledge of frostbite--an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues.

However, according to Colletti, not as many people may be aware of how quickly and easily frostbite can strike. The first stage of frostbite is frostnip, which occurs when skin pales or turns red and feels very cold.

The second stage of frostbite appears as reddened skin that turns white or pale. As frostbite progresses, it affects all layers of the skin, including the tissues that lie below.

To prevent frostbite, Colletti advised to keep all areas of the body covered—especially fingers, ears, nose and chin. She said that mittens are better than gloves, and recommends thick socks, waterproof boots and loose layers.

frostbite

(ArtShotPhoto/iStock/Thinkstock)

Not many people may be aware that frostbite can even affect the eyes. “If you’re in a high-wind area, you can get freezing of the cornea,” Colletti said.

Skiers and snowboarders are particularly at risk for getting frostbite in their eyes, she added, and she advises wearing goggles to counteract that risk.

5. Heart attack and stroke

The number of heart attacks climbs during the winter, according to the American Heart Association.

This could be due in part to the number of people who have to shovel snow in colder climates, but the increase is consistent even in warmer climates where there isn’t much snow.

Arteries constrict in response to cold, Colletti said, cutting down blood flow and forcing your heart to work harder.

heart attack

(Minerva Studio/iStock/Thinkstock)

People who have heart disease shouldn’t be shoveling snow, Colletti said, and one should stop immediately if experiencing any symptoms. She also said that people, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, should maintain an active lifestyle and healthy diet during the winter months.

6. Seasonal Affective Disorder

About one in five Americans experience a form of the winter blues called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to fastmed.com. Symptoms include anxiety, irritability, fatigue, a lack of energy and thoughts of suicide.

The causes of SAD are still unknown, but some experts link the condition to an imbalance in serotonin and melatonin, the chemicals in the brain that regulate sleep, mood and energy levels.

SAD

(jrwasserman/iStock/Thinkstock)

For people suffering from SAD, Colletti recommended getting outside during sunny days and participating in activities that boost mood.

<hr>

For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.

AccuWeather ready logo
Partner Module Enhancement
Report a Typo

Weather News

Recreation

Boulders narrowly miss swimmers at popular Utah waterfall

Jun. 27, 2025
Weather Forecasts

July 4 Forecast: Thunderstorms to focus over Upper Midwest and Florida

Jun. 30, 2025
Weather News

Girl, 8, rescued after 7 hours in flooded sewer in China

Jun. 27, 2025
Show more Show less Chevron down

Topics

AccuWeather Early

Hurricane Center

Top Stories

Trending Today

Astronomy

Heat

Climate

Health

Recreation

In Memoriam

Case Studies

Blogs & Webinars

Top Stories

Weather News

Severe thunderstorms to threaten central and eastern US

2 hours ago

Astronomy

July offers rare meteor shower combo, stunning views of the Milky Way

4 days ago

Weather News

Tropical trouble could stir near Southeast beaches around 4th of July

2 hours ago

Travel

A mother thought her baby was blown out of a plane

3 days ago

Weather News

Flights cancelled as Atlanta airport recovers from severe weather

1 day ago

More Stories

Featured Stories

Weather News

AccuWeather joins Perplexity to power AI weather answers

4 days ago

Travel

A mother thought her baby was blown out of a plane

3 days ago

Weather News

Fossil reveals ‘Last of Us’-type fungus likely lived with dinosaurs

5 days ago

Climate

Your AI prompts could have a hidden environmental cost

1 week ago

Weather News

World’s most liveable city for 2025 revealed

6 days ago

AccuWeather Weather News 6 unexpected ways winter affects your health
Company
Proven Superior Accuracy About AccuWeather Digital Advertising Careers Press Contact Us
Products & Services
For Business For Partners For Advertising AccuWeather APIs AccuWeather Connect RealFeel® and RealFeel Shade™ Personal Weather Stations
Apps & Downloads
iPhone App Android App See all Apps & Downloads
Subscription Services
AccuWeather Premium AccuWeather Professional
More
AccuWeather Ready Business Health Hurricane Leisure and Recreation Severe Weather Space and Astronomy Sports Travel Weather News Winter Center
Company
Proven Superior Accuracy About AccuWeather Digital Advertising Careers Press Contact Us
Products & Services
For Business For Partners For Advertising AccuWeather APIs AccuWeather Connect RealFeel® and RealFeel Shade™ Personal Weather Stations
Apps & Downloads
iPhone App Android App See all Apps & Downloads
Subscription Services
AccuWeather Premium AccuWeather Professional
More
AccuWeather Ready Business Health Hurricane Leisure and Recreation Severe Weather Space and Astronomy Sports Travel Weather News Winter Center
© 2025 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | About Your Privacy Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

...

...

...