Weather and your Health

The effects of the weather on our health have been debated over hundreds of years. Millions of people complain of various aches and pains they believe are related to weather. Yet often there is little scientific evidence to support these claims. Over time, we have begun to accept the weather may adversely affect some health conditions, such as sun exposure and skin cancer, or or spring-time and allergies. But what about the less obvious? Does barometric pressure affect health? This article explores different weather phenomena and the effects they may have on your health.

Humidity

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, and is known as absolute humidity (the amount of water vapor in a unit volume of air), or as relative humidity (the ratio of moisture in the atmosphere to the maximum moisture the atmosphere can hold). We feel most comfortable with relative humidity between 30% and 60%. Learn more about humidity...

When humidity is high, perspiration doesn't evaporate to cool you, leading to that uncomfortable sticky feeling — this often results in negative behaviour. In contrast, when humidity is low, any moisture evaporates quickly, sometimes leaving your skin dry.

Humidity has also been proven to cause sleepiness, lethargy, lack of motivation, lower observation skills, poorer performance, slower reaction times, and irritability. Dehydration, usually caused by insufficent water consumption, has the same symptoms. When humidity is high, we need to consume more water than normal to compensate for the water our body loses when we sweat in the heat. In contrast, when humidity is low people are generally more alert, active and positive.

An increase in aches and pains is the most common complaint during high humidity — specifically in people with arthritis. Unfortunately, researchers aren't sure why humidity appears to increase these symptoms. Fortunately, higher humidity doesn't appear to increase the amount of damage to the aflicted joint. An air conditioner in your home can help to reduce humidity by removing moisture from the air and circulating dry air. This can help reduce the aches and pains you feel when the weather changes.

Migraine headaches are the most common complaint associated with low humidity: the brains of migraine sufferers are thought to be more sensitive than others. Unfortunately there is little you can do to increase the humidity, but if you do suffer from weather related migraines, prescription medication is available that can prevent them settling in. Talk to your healthcare professional for more information.

Temperature

The body's temperature regulation system works to maintain the core temperature at around 90°F. Outside this range our biological processes don't work so well and we begin to feel uncomfortable. Our bodies have several ways to maintain this core temperature to help us feel comfortable. When we are cold, sweat stops being produced, our body hair is fluffed up (often referred to as 'goose bumps') to provide extra insulation, our capillaries shrink and circulate less blood to our limbs to reduce heat loss, and when we are extremely cold, our muscles will begin to shiver in an attempt to generate extra heat. In comparison, when we are hot evaporation of sweat cools the skin, body hair lies flat and capillaries expand and circulate more blood in order to shed more heat to the environment.

Studies have shown that extreme heat tends to make people act more irrationally - crime rates in New York rise significantly in summer and this is thought to be due to the weather. Mortality rates are also linked to extreme temperatures, particularly in the elderly population in northern states. Unfortunately, scientists are currently unsure as to why extreme temperatures cause these problems.

Migraine headaches, arthritic joint stiffness and asthma, and an increase in aches and pains are all common complaints related to low temperatures. Simple ways to reduce the effects of cold temperatures including adding layers of warm clothing and having an efficient home heating system. Under-floor heating and roof de-icing systems are also excellent ways to keep your home toasty warm, particularly for those who live in snowy locations.

The most common complaints to do with warm weather (other than being hot!) are respiratory troubles and drowsiness. Respiratory troubles in the heat most likely stem from an increase in air pollutants caused by thermal inversion - when a layer of cooler air is trapped near the ground by a layer of warmer air above causing normal air mixing to cease and trapping pollutants in the lower layer. An air filter can significantly reduce the pollutants in the air and help you to breather easier. Drowsiness in extreme temperature will often stem from dehydration — make sure you are drinking lots of water and stay out of direct sunshine to help you stay alert.

Sunshine

When the sun is shining we all tend to feel happier and more relaxed. The sun works as a natural mood elevator, however, it can have both positive and negative effects on our health.

On the positive side, ultraviolet (UV) rays activate provitamin D in the human body, which is converted to vitamin D. Vitamin D is vital for our wellbeing, and is particularly important for developing bones. The sun also kills pathogens, which are the 'bad germs' that make us sick, and it helps produce melanin which is the body's natural protection against harmful UV rays.

However, the same UV rays that provide these benefits are also recognised as the most significant cause of sunburn and skin cancer (or Melanoma). It is important to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 10am and 4pm when it is directly overhead and at its most harmful. With one in five Americans developing skin cancer, it is important to avoid the sun when possible, make sure you use sunscreen, wear protective clothing including a hat, stay in the shade and drink lots of water. It is also important to educate children about the negative effects of the sun and how they can protect themselves as children naturally spend a lot of time playing outdoors.

Pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the basis for predicting weather and is continually changing. Generally, when pressure is increasing, good weather is on its way, while decreasing pressure indicates poorer weather.

Researchers have found that changes in atmospheric pressure may influence human mental activity, causing changes in concentration, reaction times and short term memory retention. It is thought that this may be responsible for the human 'meteorosenstivity' (sensitivity to the weather), that also causes aches and pains - particularly in those with arthritis. Studies have also connected both high and low pressure to higher rates of stroke. Unfortunately, there is little we can do to adjust the air pressure, however, where necessary, prescription preventative medication for your condition may be available through your GP.

Falling barometric pressure has also been linked to inducing labor in pregnant women. When the pressure drops rapidly, it causes the pregnant woman's womb to expand and exert additional pressure on her body, which is thought to induce labor. Heavily pregnant women should be ready to go to hospital when pressure begins to drop.

Wind

Wind and wind chill are two important factors in how comfortable we feel. When it is windy, people often feel colder than they normally would in that same air temperature, because the wind helps cool your skin faster than it would naturally cool itself. A good example of the effect of wind chill is when you have been exercising outside and you feel really hot and sweaty, but your skin is still cold to touch.

Wind affects people in many ways, and is often attributed to causing tiredness and irritability in people, especially children. Many cultures refer to seasonal winds (particularly warm winds) as ill winds because they link them to feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and loss of sleep. Ill winds have even been blaimed for increases in traffic accidents and suicide rates. Scientifically it remains unknown why these winds seem to have such significant effects on health, but it is thought that it has to do with a positive electrical charge in the warm air.

Strong wind may also affect your heath by carrying more pollution and allergens (such as pollen or mold spores) over a greater distance. This affects people with respiratory problems such as asthma, and makes them more susceptible to attacks. If you or someone in your family suffers from a respiratory illness it is important to remember to keep medication on hand during windy periods.

The best way to avoid problems associated with the wind is to ensure your home is well insulated. Heating and air-conditioning units can also help to circulate air, reducing any negative effects that may be caused by the charges in the ions.

The good news is that humidity, temperature, sunshine, air pressure, and wind, can all be measured and predicted, helping you stay informed and be prepared for any upcoming changes in the weather. Using a weather station such as the WS-2308 or WS-2315 , will keep you informed so you'll feel under the weather less often!