The sharply falling temperatures in recent days, and the great cold that awaits us in the next few hours according to the weather forecast, have already begun to project us into the winter season: as always happens in such conditions, people are starting to use the home heatingbut sometimes they get carried away.
Creating a comfortable environment within the walls of your home does not mean raising the thermostat level beyond certain thresholds, on the contrary: exceeding the heat, unlike what you might expect, can lead to the onset of health problems,” particularly for changes in temperature when you go out and due to vasodilation due to the heat”. Explaining how to best manage heating to avoid worse problems for our body is Giorgio Sestiprofessor of Internal Medicine at the Sapienza University of Rome.
“The ideal temperature in winter, indoors, should be between 18 and 22 degrees, on average 20 degreesavoiding too dry air”, explains the expert toAdnKronos. Maintaining a minimum level of humidity in the home is very important, and even those who don’t have a humidifier can easily remedy this by placing a container with water over the radiators as was done in the past. In fact, too dry air can trigger a series of disorders, especially in those who already suffer from respiratory problems, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: “Dry air, in fact, dries out the mucous membranes which, instead, must be kept moist so that they carry out their function”, specifies Dr. Sesti.
An acceptable level of humidity and generally between 40 and 50%, but even in this case it is best not to exceed: “No more, otherwise we create a tropical climate that becomes a greenhouse”, advises the professor, “a correctly humidified environment is necessary especially at night, because if the mucous membranes dry out, breathing becomes difficult during sleep, you may snore and the quality of sleep is reduced with general negative effects on the body”.
Overheating the rooms in which you live or work, as well as causing a hit on your bills, exposes you to violent temperature changes even if you look out onto the balcony for a few moments and then go back into the house: a temperature of 24 degrees causes inevitably one vasodilationso going out into the cold outside, where the temperatures are perhaps 8 degrees, generates consequences such as alterations in blood pressure, dizziness or respiratory disorders. “Very elderly people who lie down or sit for a long time in environments that are too hot risk falling when they get up suddenly due to vasodilation”, points out the expert, “by assuming an upright position quickly the blood does not go to the brain and you can feel sense of vertigo”.
In addition to the right temperatures and correct humidity levels, however, it is best not to overlook another correct behaviour, namelyventilation daily life of the environments, even if you are little
encouraged to do so due to the cold: “Air exchange is a practice that should not be overlooked to prevent viruses and bacteria from concentrating and facilitating their spread”, explains Dr. Sesti in conclusion.
The Heating Dilemma: Keep it Cozy, but Don’t Roast!
Ah, winter! The season where our coats get fluffed up, and we all start looking like walking marshmallows. Temperatures are dropping faster than an egg at my comedy show, and people everywhere are cranking up those home heaters with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. But here’s a plot twist: heating your home like a sauna might just be heating up your health problems instead!
Set the Thermostat, Not Your Health
According to Dr. Giorgio Sesti, a professor of Internal Medicine at the Sapienza University of Rome, you don’t need to turn your living room into a tropical paradise to stay warm. The magic range? A cozy 20 degrees Celsius. That’s right! Let’s keep the sweaty palm syndrome at bay, shall we?
The Dry and the Damp
Now, you might think more heat means more comfort, but let’s pump the brakes there! Turning up the thermostat too high can turn your home into the Sahara. Dry air can be a real party pooper, especially for anyone dealing with respiratory issues like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. You know what that means? Mucous membranes need to stay juicy to do their job. So, if you don’t have a humidifier, grab a container of water and put it on the radiator. It’s science, folks! And perhaps reminiscent of your grandparents’ methods!
Humidity: The Goldilocks Zone
When it comes to humidity, we’re looking for the sweet spot between 40% and 50%. Much more than that and congratulations, you’ve just installed a greenhouse in your living room! And, doing this while you’re trying to sleep can lead to snoring—or worse. I don’t think your partner wants to be nestled next to a raucous chainsaw while trying to get their beauty sleep!
Focus on Your Elders
And let’s not forget about our seniors. As Dr. Sesti notes, if grandma decides to pop up after a cozy nap in a 24-degree room, she might just experience a little something called vasodilation. That’s right! A sudden shift from warmth to cold can turn her into a dizzy disco dancer! I’m telling you, it could be a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy!
Fresh Air is a Must!
Even in the depths of winter, ventilation is your friend. Yes, I know it’s cold out there, but cracking a window for a couple of minutes is worth it! Dr. Sesti insists that air exchange is crucial to keep viruses and bacteria from RSVPing to your personal winter bash. So, open a window and let the fresh air in—unless you’re hosting the world’s smallest ice sculpting contest, then maybe reconsider!
So, as you huddle under your blankets and sip your hot cocoa, remember: keeping your home cozy doesn’t mean you need to turn it into a furnace. Stick to the sweet spot of warmth, remember to moisturize that air, and keep those windows cracking just a tad!
What are the health risks associated with overheating your home during winter months?
**Interview with Dr. Giorgio Sesti on Winter Heating and Health**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sesti. As temperatures drop, many people are relying heavily on their heating systems. Can you explain why it’s important to manage indoor temperatures carefully during winter?
**Dr. Sesti:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, typically between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, with an optimal average around 20 degrees. Many people think that cranking up the heat will keep them better warm, but excessive heat can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems.
**Interviewer:** What specific health issues should people be aware of that can arise from overheating their homes?
**Dr. Sesti:** Overheating can cause dry air, which leads to dried-out mucous membranes. This is particularly concerning for individuals with respiratory disorders like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dryness can make breathing difficult, particularly during sleep, potentially leading to snoring and decreased sleep quality.
**Interviewer:** So, you’re saying that maintaining proper humidity is just as important as keeping a steady temperature?
**Dr. Sesti:** Exactly. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 40% and 50%. If the air is too dry, it’s advisable to use a humidifier or place a container of water on the radiator. However, we must also be cautious not to create excessive humidity, which can lead to a greenhouse effect indoors.
**Interviewer:** Interesting! I’ve heard about vasodilation. How does that connect with temperature changes in the home?
**Dr. Sesti:** When rooms are overheated, stepping out into colder air can cause vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels due to heat. This can lead to dizziness, blood pressure changes, and, particularly in elderly individuals, an increased risk of falls when they move quickly from a warm indoor environment to a cold outdoor one.
**Interviewer:** That sounds dangerous. Aside from temperature and humidity management, what other practices should people adopt during winter?
**Dr. Sesti:** Regular ventilation is key! Even in the cold, exchanging indoor air should not be overlooked. Good air circulation prevents the concentration of viruses and bacteria, thus minimizing the risk of illnesses. A few minutes of ventilation each day can make a significant difference.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sesti, for sharing these valuable insights. It seems that staying healthy this winter involves a careful balance of warmth, humidity, and ventilation!
**Dr. Sesti:** Absolutely! A little attention to these details can go a long way in keeping us comfortable and healthy during the colder months. Thank you for having me!
