Using a heater and baking a fire Image Credit source: Getty Images
In winter, the most common thing is to warm one’s hands in front of the fire or turn on the heater. But can this method prove to be a threat to our health? Actually, in this season most of the people use heaters to keep their body warm or feel comfortable by warming their hands in front of the fire. In cold weather, hands and feet start becoming numb, humidity in the air reduces and the body quickly catches cold. In such a situation, a little warmth gives instant relief and also reduces fatigue.
It is common to use electric heaters, gas heaters or blowers in homes, whereas in villages or open spaces, people light wood fires and sit near them. These methods provide instant heat, but their use can also cause harm. Therefore, it is important that some precautions are taken, so that there is no adverse effect on health.
Disadvantages of baking hands and feet in front of heater or fire?
Dr. Subhash Giri in the Department of Medicine at RML Hospital It is said that the hot air coming out from the heater rapidly reduces the humidity of the room, due to which the skin and eyes start drying. Continuously running the heater dries up the nasal membranes, causing headache, blocked nose and feeling of heaviness in breathing. Some heaters also emit mild gases or smoke, which may aggravate allergies or cough in sensitive people.
On the other hand, sitting in front of a fire for too long can cause the skin to overheat and become dry and red. The smoke emanating from burning of wood or coal can cause cough, irritation and watery eyes if inhaled. The intense heat of fire causes sudden changes in body temperature, which can increase cold and cough. Therefore, whether it is heater or fire, excessive use of both can cause harm.
What precautions should be taken?
While using the heater, it is important to keep some ventilation in the room so that the air does not become completely dry. Do not keep the heater too close to the body and do not run it continuously for several hours. It is better to switch off the heater while sleeping at night. To prevent skin from drying, drink adequate amount of water and use moisturizer.
If sitting near a fire, do not go too close and maintain distance from the smoke, because smoke is harmful for both eyes and lungs. Do not suddenly get up from the fire and go into the cold air, this causes rapid change in temperature and increases the risk of getting sick. Keep children and elderly people away from high temperatures of fire or heater.
What to eat to keep the body warm?
In winter, ginger, jaggery, fenugreek, sesame, peanuts, dry fruits, soup and green vegetables keep the body warm from inside. Besides, hot milk, turmeric milk and seasonal soups also help in protecting from cold.