Winter Conditions May Prove Hazardous.

• Position: Brief Article

For most students, their upcoming winter break represents a welcome hiatus from school, homework, and their normal daily routine. While this vacation schedule can be fun and exciting, changes in environment and routine as well as time spent outdoors in the cold can be dangerous, particularly for those who suffer from asthma. Protecting your body is the key to ensuring an enjoyable winter break--indoors and outdoors. Use the following tips from Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, Del., to guard against hidden winter health obstacles:

Protect your lungs. Be aware that they are vulnerable to the cold and need protection. Winter temperatures, even as warm as 40[degrees]F, can be hard on the lungs of people with asthma. Exposure to cold air can cause the bronchial tubes to constrict and mucus production to increase. Antileukotriene medications can help control asthma symptoms brought about by various triggers, including cold air. Bundling up, staying warm, and using a face mask or scarf over the mouth to warm and humidify the air being breathed in can help ward off symptoms.

Dress warm. Reduce heat loss by wearing additional layers of loose-fitting clothing, increasing physical activity, and seeking shelter, if necessary. Have a change of dry clothing with you. Wet clothing can cause cold-weather injuries, such as frostbite, even in warmer winter temperatures.

Fuel your body, Drink plenty of fluids and eat...