Winter Health Screenings: Test Types and When to See a Doctor

Summary: Winter brings cold temperatures, dry air, and less sunlight, which can be tough on your body. The lack of sun can lower your Vitamin D levels, making you feel tired, achy, or sick more often. The dark, chilly days can also trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder or make anxiety worse.

When you get cold, your blood vessels shrink to help keep your core warm. This process is called vasoconstriction, but it can cause problems if you already have high blood pressure, heart disease, or circulation issues. Plus, breathing in cold, dry air is hard on your lungs, especially if you have asthma or other breathing conditions.

While there are no official rules for winter health tests, it is a great idea to talk to your doctor if you feel super tired, sad, or have trouble staying warm. They might suggest blood tests to check your thyroid, liver, or immune system to make sure everything is working right. Taking care of your health helps you stay active and feeling good all season long!

For more details, see rssapp-healthline-com at healthline.com/health/winter-preventive-health (opens in new tab)