Common Mistakes in Protecting Your Body During Cold Days That Can Weaken Your Health and Even Lead to Fatalities
The northern region of Vietnam is currently experiencing a prolonged period of extreme cold. As a result, people have been more attentive to maintaining their health and protecting their bodies against the harsh winter. However, not all habits are beneficial to your health. Here are some common mistakes during extremely cold weather as pointed out by experts:
The practice of using charcoal for heating is widespread in rural areas but is highly detrimental to health. Every year, there are reported cases of death from using charcoal for warmth. Recently, there was a tragic case in Quang Binh where a mother and her four children were hospitalized, with two young children dying, after using charcoal under the bed to heat their closed room.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Hong Con (Lecturer in the Chemistry Department, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi), you should never use charcoal for heating in an enclosed space. When burned, charcoal produces a large amount of carbon monoxide (CO). In a closed room, CO cannot circulate out, leading those in the room to inhale a significant amount of this gas. CO poisoning from burning charcoal happens gradually; the victims often fall asleep without realizing they are in danger, which can lead to death.
The concerning aspect is that CO and CO2 are odorless and tasteless, so those suffering from CO poisoning do not experience pain or react defensively. If they are fortunate enough to be seen and rescued, they may still suffer brain damage, leading to memory loss, facial paralysis, or motor dysfunction.
Not only is charcoal heating dangerous, but overusing space heaters is also ill-advised. Excessive use can cause dehydration, leading to dry and rough skin, as well as respiratory issues due to poor air circulation in closed rooms. This can cause nasal dryness and increase the risk of nasal conditions.
Taking hot baths in winter, especially on extremely cold days, is a habit many people enjoy because it brings a feeling of comfort and relaxation. The water is so warm that many people enjoy soaking for a long time, but this is very dangerous to health.
According to dermatologists, bathing for too long can cause the skin to lose moisture, becoming dry and prone to skin conditions such as dryness, eczema, and cracking. Additionally, bathing this way during extremely cold weather can cause oxygen deficiency and blood vessel constriction, leading to irregular heart rhythms and, in more severe cases, sudden death. There have indeed been many reports of sudden death related to this bathing habit in winter.
It’s best to stay indoors for a certain period after coming from outside to let your body adjust to the indoor temperature before taking a bath to avoid the risk of thermal shock.
Feet are a part of the body that we must pay special attention to, especially in extremely cold weather. However, that doesn’t mean you should wear socks all day and night.
According to former Colonel, General Physician Bui Hong Minh (Vice President of Ba Dinh Oriental Medicine Association, Hanoi), the habit of wearing socks even while sleeping can cause your feet to become stuffy, preventing sweat from evaporating, which affects sleep quality and, over time, may even lead to conditions like rheumatism.
Naturally, when the weather is extremely cold, thick coats become our best friends. But is it advisable to wear only one thick coat while dressing sparsely underneath? Experts suggest this is not ideal. According to the principle, liquids and gases conduct heat poorly. In winter, wearing multiple layers of thin clothing is warmer than wearing just one thick coat because multiple layers of thin clothing create air layers between the clothes, which insulate and keep the body warm better.
So, while it’s common to rely on a thick coat, wearing several thin layers underneath can help keep you warmer and healthier.
During winter, people tend to become less inclined to drink water. In extremely cold weather, this habit becomes even more common. However, this can deprive the body of necessary hydration, leading to weakened immunity, dry and dull skin, and a lack of natural elasticity and glow.
