Temperatures dip as winter sets in early across Coastal Karnataka

Cold wave conditions prevailed across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts like other parts of Karnataka since last three days.

Citizens of Mangalore too were left cold as the evenings turned balmy and chilly from the past couple of days. Though the weather remained warm and dry during the day, the temperatures dipped to a minimum of 19 degree Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday in regions of Mangalore, Udupi and Dharmasthala.

Most parts of Karnataka have been affected by the cold wave that has swept across the state. According to Indian Meteorological Department, these conditions would last over few regions of the state during the next few days. The temperatures are also likely to decrease further in the coming days.

People in the district are likely to don woollen wear in the evenings when the air is cold and nippy. Winter also brings with it dryness, and lessening of humidity in the air. The sudden shift in the climatic conditions often leads to illnesses like flu and common colds. Pain in the joints is a common symptom of cold weather. Though unavoidable, there are ways to tackle it.

Shamshad (24), residing in Mangalore, said that it suddenly grew cold early on Thursday, causing ache in her knees, which several experience in cold weather. It remained slightly chilly during the day, and increased in the night, she said.

A doctor said that walking and passive exercises helped decrease the chances of joint pain. During winters, it is essential to be properly hydrated, and ensure enough movement of joints to avoid the discomfort. One should avoid walking early in the mornings and try keeping themselves warmer with sweaters, he advised.

Roshan Bekal (30), a resident of Thokkottu, said that as it grew suddenly chilly as the evening progressed, he took to wearing a jacket to keep himself warm. It was even chillier during the night. I think winter has set in, and the climate will remain this way till January, he said.

The cold weather set in on Wednesday, and it became quite chilly in the night, said Ashwin Naik (35), a resident of Yedapadavu, on the outskirts of Mangalore. It seemed like it had reached freezing levels in the night. It was slightly better on Thursday, he said.

Here are some ways to keep warm this winter in the absence of a heater:

*Place rugs on bare floors of your home, or wear slippers inside the house

*Heat up a water bottle and place it at the foot of your bed before going to sleep

*Let in some light. Open windows during the day to let in some sun and close them in the evening. This provides just enough mid-day warmth

*Exercise; get in shape. 20 minutes of vigorous exercise can warm you up and keep you warm well after the exercise session

*Dress warmly. A hat is your number one friend at a time like this. A large percentage of body heat loss occurs in the head region so it is crucial to keep your head covered. A turtleneck sweater can work wonders. Dress in layers, especially with wool or cotton clothing. Wear slippers or warm socks. When you are sitting still, wrap a thick blanket around you.

*Raising humidity in the winter time helps. Humid air holds heat better and can be a blessing

*Light a candle. A candle/candles can produce a lot of heat, just be mindful of where they are placed

*Be active. Moving around produces body heat! The more you are active, the better your blood circulation will be. This will mean that hot blood gets to your fingers and toes, keeping them warm

Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids during the winter months will help keep illnesses at bay. Here are some easy ways to boost your nutritional intake

*Eat well. Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can

*Stay hydrated. Keep a bottle of water handy. It may be winter, but it is important to stay hydrated

*Eat plenty of fruits. They are tasty, full of vitamins, and a juicy way to stay hydrated in winter

*Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is one of the richest sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body fight infection, and it acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage

*Drink kesar (saffron) milk. Saffron is generally believed to boost immunity and body temperature.

*Eat a handful of nuts every day. They are rich in natural oils and vitamins

*Buy sweets made with til (sesame seeds) and gur (jiggery). Til is an important source of calcium. It also warms up your body

*Sip on herbal teas. Prepare it by boiling tulsi leaves and ginger in water. Add a dash of honey, if you like it sweet. It's best not to drink too many cups of regular tea (with milk) and coffee. Too much caffeine can lead to dehydration

Build up immunity and ward off winter ailments

There isn't much you can do about the weather, but there's plenty you can do to boost your immunity.

*Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. It is the simplest, most effective way to reduce the chance of catching an infection

*Fresh fruits and vegetables help build immunity

*Water flushes out toxins. It is also essential for healthy blood cells and the rehydration of tissues

*Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea helps clear congestion and is believed to be a great immunity booster

*Rinse your mouth out regularly with warm salt water. This can help prevent throat infections

Also, it is equally important to take care of your skin and keeping it well-moisturised during the winter as the decrease in humidity robs your skin of its moisture, thus making it dry.