BOSTON – It’s been a winter with fluctuating temperatures. Extremes can cause problems for wildlife and plants, but doctors say it can also affect human health.
When you look around this winter, many things seem out of place from people wearing shorts to families sitting on balconies for lunch. “One day it’s cold, the next day it’s warm,” said a woman from Boston.
Remember the scene from last month when it was bitterly cold one day and not even 24 hours later it was a full 180? “One day no jacket, the next day you’ve got a hat and gloves,” said a woman from South Boston.
Apart from the toll it takes on people’s winter wardrobes – doctors say these up and down temperatures can affect your health. Dr. Eduardo Garcia is a neurologist at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. “In the general population, it can lead to mood disorders or problems where you’re more tired the next morning, and if you’re more tired, it can make you anxious,” said Dr. Garcia.
The doctor explains how barometric pressure changes with the weather and this can exacerbate all kinds of health issues – especially for people with underlying health conditions. “If you have untreated sleep apnea, for example, and you have weather fluctuations, it can make you more tired,” said Dr. Garcia. The doctor says there are a growing number of health questions as we learn more about climate change. “Our bodies are very sensitive to these changes,” said Dr. Garcia.
Locals admit that this winter has been a good break, but the addition of this pattern has been alarming. “I’m scared now of global warming,” said one woman. Dr. Garcia says they are seeing more patients with complications from temperature fluctuations.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download it The FREE Boston 25 News app for the latest news.
Follow Boston 25 News at Facebook AND I tweet. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
