The holiday season is upon us, and that means colder weather, family gatherings and scrambling to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. We all have that Aunt Harriett, right? You know, the one relative who loves to go on and on about their ailments. They may even swear they can tell it’s going to snow or rain based merely on their aches and pains. Before you roll your eyes and chalk it up to “crazy Aunt Harriett,” it is estimated that 67% of people claim to be weather sensitive.
Once thought to be an old wives’ tale, doctors are still trying to figure out why some people are affected by the weather. One theory is based on barometric pressure, although there has been no concrete proof that the weight of the atmosphere has anything to do with body pain. Cold weather often causes people to become less active, which can actually lead to further pain. Additionally, the mind-body connection is an essential factor. Cold weather tends to put people in an unhappy mood, which can make people feel crummy in general.
What can you do to alleviate those aching joints this winter? Use your Outch of course! You should also dress warmly when going outside; continue to be active but try to limit your workouts to inside to avoid cold weather. Drink plenty of water, enhance your diet with a Vitamin D supplement, try a warm bath or see if acupuncture can alleviate the pain.
So the next time Aunt Harriet speaks up about her aching joints during this holiday season, why don’t you give her the gift of Outch Ointment! It’s the perfect stocking stuffer for everyone on your list.
