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In winter it is common to warm one’s hands in front of a fire or use a heater. But can this habit be dangerous for health? In fact, most people use heaters to keep their body warm or find comfort in warming their hands in front of the fire. In cold weather, hands and feet become numb, humidity in the air decreases and the body gets cold quickly. In such a situation, a little heat provides instant relief and reduces fatigue.
Although electric heaters, gas heaters or blowers are common in homes, villages and open spaces, people light wood fires and sit around them. These methods provide instant heat, but their use can also be harmful. Therefore, it is important to take some precautions to avoid adverse health effects.
What are the disadvantages of warming hands and feet in front of a heater or fire?
Dr. Subhash Giri of the Medicine Department of RML Hospital explains that the hot air coming out of the heater rapidly reduces the humidity in the room, due to which the skin and eyes become dry. Continuously running heaters dry out the nasal membranes, causing headaches, nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. Some heaters also release mild gases or smoke, which may cause allergies or increase coughing in sensitive individuals.
On the other hand, sitting in front of a fire for too long can overheat the skin, causing it to become dry and red. Inhaling smoke from burning wood or coal can cause cough, irritation and watery eyes. The intense heat of the fire causes sudden changes in body temperature, which can increase cold and cough. Therefore, excessive use of both heater and fire can be harmful.
What precautions should be taken?
When using a heater, it is important to keep the room well ventilated so that the air does not become completely dry. Do not place the heater too close to your body and avoid running it for hours. It is best to turn off the heater before sleeping. To avoid dry skin, drink plenty of water and use moisturizer.
If you sit near a fire, avoid getting too close to it and maintain distance from the smoke, as smoke is harmful to both eyes and lungs. Avoid leaving the fire suddenly and going into cold air, as this causes rapid changes in temperature and increases the risk of illness. Always keep children and elderly away from fire or high temperature of heater.
Eat this to keep your body warm?
In winter, ginger, jaggery, fenugreek, sesame, peanuts, dry fruits, soup and green vegetables keep the body warm from inside. Warm milk, turmeric milk and seasonal soups also help in protecting from cold.