Winter, undoubtedly, is a very pleasant season. This time of the year not only comes with cold breezes and holidays, but it also brings a number of diseases as well. According to various studies, our immune system is more vulnerable to infections in the winter. Therefore, you should pay good attention to your health, especially during this season. In this article, we discuss some essential blood tests that you need to take care of your health.
This season, consider taking the following tests:
- Flu test: Bacteria growth increases during the winter season, which explains the reason why flu or influenza is so common during this time. Flu is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms including high fever, headache, runny nose, coughing, and muscle pain. If you are having these symptoms then go for a influenza test. You can consider a Thyrocare Blood Test, because Thyrocare Packages offer free home sample collection.
- Pulmonary function test: Cold weather tends to narrow down the upper airways. This happens because dry air often shrinks the moisture layer of the airways. As a result, you may experience difficulty in breathing. It may get worse if you have a respiratory illness such as asthma. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing producing mucus, and wheezing, then go for a pulmonary function test. This test will help diagnose pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma.
- Cardiovascular checkup: Your risk of developing heart diseases increases during the colder months. There are many factors of heart diseases, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity and smoking. Therefore, if you experience sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and lightheadedness then go for a heart checkup. This checkup will help you understand your cardiovascular health more efficiently, and assess your risk of getting a heart attack.
- Blood pressure test: Blood pressure is usually higher in the winter season and lower in the summer season. This happens because low temperatures narrows the blood vessels. This causes an increase in pressure, needed to force blood through the constricted veins or arteries. Hence, you need to have a clear understanding of your blood pressure in order to live healthily. You can manage your blood pressure by avoiding junk foods, salty foods, and regular exercising.
- Blood sugar test: Cold temperatures tend to spike blood sugar levels in many ways. We tend to consume foods that are high carbohydrate and fat, especially during the colder days. Although these foods satisfy your taste buds, they increase the blood glucose levels. On the other hand, colder temperature increases stress hormone levels, and reduces insulin levels. Low insulin levels indicate that excess glucose remains in the blood. High blood sugar levels can contribute to various health diseases, that is why make sure to manage your blood glucose levels with a balanced diet and activities.
Since, there are a number of viral infections that can arise in the winter, you should take extra precautions to avoid developing serious health problems. In addition to all the tests, make sure you maintain good hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.
