Reader\'s Digest Canada - 05.2020

ISTOCK.COM/PLAINVIEW

W

INTER IS OVER and the cold

weather is mostly behind

us. But if your fingers are

still feeling chilly, you’re not alone.

Many people get cold hands year-

round, due to a number of causes,

from genetics—the tendency runs in

families—to chronic illnesses.

Common benign reasons you might

experience this discomfort include

being elderly (more likely to have a

slower metabolism) and being thin

(less muscle and fat for insulation). For

some people, lifestyle changes can

help: avoiding nicotine and caffeine,

which constrict your blood vessels, and

getting regular exercise to improve cir-

culation. For an instant fix, try jumping

in place, shaking your hands or simply

bundling up in warmer clothing.

If your hands are regularly cold or

numb, however, it’s a good idea to see

a doctor to rule out more serious

causes. Cold hands are one of the

symptoms of both anemia and hypo-

thyroidism. Diabetes, which reduces

BY Vanessa Milne

Why do some people

always have chilly hands,

even when it’s warm?

In Cold Blood

reader’s digest

20 may 2020

HEALTH