Cold and snow: the 10 golden rules for protecting the health

The Siberian cold in recent days brought frost and snow throughout Italy is likely to endanger our health. The sudden drop in temperature can in fact cause - especially for children and the elderly - a worsening of the symptoms of influenza, affecting mainly the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, muscles and bones.To avoid all this and warn the Italians (especially after the victims recorded in these days among the homeless, even in big cities), the Ministry of Health has drawn up a list of ten rules to follow to protect our health from the grip of cold and to better face these difficult days.Among the suggestions are the procedures for proper adjustment of the temperature and humidification of the home environment, such as air in the right way the rooms where you spend a lot of hours, but even small suggestions about ideal to consume foods these days and clothing advice most suitable.The ten rules to combat the cold:1) Set the temperature of the heating so that it does not drop below 19 degrees and not more than 22 (that is standards-compliant recommended) and treated humidification of the home environments frequently filling the tanks of radiators. In addition, you should make sure that doors and windows are well insulated from drafts and drafts, or it is necessary to reduce the air passages with draft excluders and insulating tapes.2) properly ventilated and domestic premises frequently, especially before going to sleep: carbon monoxide poisoning is quite common and can cause death.3) Avoid too close and direct contact with sources of heat, such as electric heaters, fireplaces, radiators or hot water bottles.4) Pay particular attention to young children and dependent elderly people, often controlling their body temperature.5) Contact frequently the elderly who live alone (family, friends or neighbors as well) and make sure they have everything they need at home (especially food and medicine) and reported to social services, the presence of homeless people in difficult circumstances.6) Drink at least a liter and a half of water a day, preferably in the form of drinks and hot food (like you, tea or broth) and avoid alcohol, because they promote the dispersion of the heat produced by the body.7) Outputs, if possible, less cold in the hours of the day: avoid the early morning and in the evening, especially if you have heart disease or respiratory disease.8) Wrap up warmly, especially protecting hands, head and face! Wear a scarf, gloves, hat, a warm coat and hydrated often with cocoa butter and creams, both lips hands.9) Pay attention to temperature, especially when you go from a warm to a cold and vice versa.10) Move only when necessary. If you're driving, especially if you face long stretches, bring your blankets and hot drinks. In any case, before leaving Know exactly on the weather conditions of the areas that you will face in the car, fill up before you leave and bring snow chains (or mount them directly if there is already snow).