Helpful Tips

[Adminஐﻬ]

Keep fingers and toes warm during the cold weather

Monday September 21 2009

Are your fingers and toes beginning to feel the cold? Could this be a sign of something serious? Cold air makes blood vessels contract, decreasing blood flow to your extremities. The vast majority of people who complain about cold fingers and toes don't have an underlying condition. But their chill can signal low thyroid hormone or Raynaud's disease, a blood-vessel disorder.

Fingers and toes can also feel cold if you have anaemia, diabetes, arthritis, or take certain blood-pressure medications. Caffeine may play a role, too.

Keep the core of your body warm. Dress in layers and wear a hat and mittens instead of gloves.

On average, men have a larger body mass, which accounts for their greater inner warmth.

Good tips on how to spread heat and save on bills include:

• Leave bath full of water until you've finished in the bathroom: you've paid to heat the water, now let the water heat the bathroom.

• After taking food out of the oven and switching it off, leave the door open to release heat.

• Put clothes, shoes and coats in the hot press overnight.

• If you happen to boil too much water for a hot drink, use the rest for a hot water bottle.

• A hot mug of tea or coffee acts as a great hand warmer.

• It might feel like a cigarette is warming you up, but in fact it has been proved that smoking can reduce the body's temperature.

• Have plenty of small meals and hot drinks.

• Start the day with a bowl of hot oatmeal or try your cereal with warm milk.

• Also try to have a hot meal at midday. Bread, milk, meat, fish, eggs and beans or pulses are all good sources of energy.

• Ankle boots keep you warmer than shoes, boots keep you warmer than ankle boots.

• Red glow fires are more effective than white heaters.