WHITEWATER, Wis. -- Temperature changes in Wisconsin can make us cold and miserable, but can they really make us sick? News 3 Now spoke with local experts to find out.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Associate Professor Wesley Kephart specializes in kinesiology. He says as long as we're able to warm up afterwards, being in cold temperatures can actually boost our immunity.
"Acute levels of cold exposure actually stimulates our immune system," he said. "You might see that a lot of people these days are getting into cold plunges or ice baths and a lot of that is actually to promote their immune system."
Long stints out in the elements, however, can cause overwhelming stress to the body, potentially resulting in a weakening of the immune system, headaches and the constriction of blood vessels.
SSM Health Occupational Therapist Karlie Titus told News 3 Now that three key things happen when the temperature drops.
"The cold temperature is going to increase our pain sensitivity, slow down our blood circulation, and then can also cause muscle spasms," she said.
An expert in arthritis, Titus said that for those with joint sensitivities, both the cold and a change in barometric pressure can cause pain.
"The barometric pressure is going to make our muscles and tendons expand and contract," she said. "It gets really uncomfortable when it expands because that's going to put more pressure on nerves."
Titus recommends heat, compression and range of motion practice for those experiencing flares in arthritis in the weather.
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