Ever wonder why the cold weather can make you feel—or even look—years older? From dry skin, to poor circulation, to weight gain, winter can seriously wreak havoc on your system.

Our bodies are built for survival, even in the bitter cold. When you step outside, blood vessels near your body’s surface tighten. That pushes blood towards the organs that help you think clearly and move quickly until you can find shelter.

Warm, oxygen-rich blood is sent to your brain, heart and lungs, and is directed away from your limbs.

That’s why your fingers and toes go numb if they’re not bundled up. If you have poor circulation from a condition like diabetes or peripheral artery disease, you’re especially prone to numb feet. That increases your risk for falls and injuries.

When the chilly air causes surface blood vessels to tighten, your heart has to work harder to pump blood. That leads to an increase in blood pressure.  

On top of that, indulgent holiday foods may contain more salt, which also elevates blood pressure. Throw in extra couch time and less outdoor exercise due to the weather, and the holiday season can be an especially high-risk time for people with heart conditions.

Invest in a blood pressure monitor from the drug store and check your numbers regularly. For most people, blood pressure should be below 120 for the top number and below 80 for the bottom number.

Do your joints have the uncanny ability to predict the weather? If so, they may feel especially stiff on chilly winter mornings. While changes in air pressure cause joint pain, especially before storms, low temperatures can decrease flexibility and lead to stiffness.

“Think of your tendons as rubber bands. “If you expose a rubber band to cold temperatures, it becomes less flexible. Cold weather tightens up the ligaments and tendons, which are the structures that support your joints.”

Create a morning stretching routine to loosen your joints and ease stiffness before stepping out into the cold. Stretching can help wake you up, get your blood flowing and prevent injuries.

When the days get short and chilly, the temptation to stay indoors, binge watch your favorite show and munch on holiday cookies can be pretty strong. “Winter brings the perfect storm of exposure to excess calories and lower activity levels.

The reason for cold weather cravings? Possible explanations include:

1. Carbs boost a feel-good brain chemical called serotonin, which your body may be craving to help fight off winter blues.
2. Being active suppresses your appetite to a certain extent. Since you’re less active in winter, your appetite may increase. 
3. Fatty, high-carb foods are simply more comforting, which makes them your number one choice at the end of a long, cold day. 

Snow shoveling sends about 11,000 people to the ER every year. It increases your risk for deadly falls, back injuries and heart attacks.

Part of the reason why shoveling increases heart attack risk is the amount of exertion it requires. Shoveling causes a spike in the energy used, causing your heart rate to go up dramatically. At the same time, your blood pressure increases due to the cold.

If you have a heart condition, don’t shovel. If you’re a healthy adult, avoid shoveling first thing in the morning, when heart attacks are more likely to occur. Other tips: Bundle up, stay hydrated and stop to call 9-1-1 if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath or any heart attack symptoms.

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