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blouse or sweater, topped by a wool jacket for indoor dress Use
warmth-conserving fabrics such as silk, wool or down, or synthetic
fabrics such as polypropylene
• Exercise

During activity, small, surface blood vessels dilate so that more warm
blood flows to your hands and feet The effect can last several hours
• Avoid all forms of nicotine
Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor — a substance that narrows blood
vessels and reduces blood flow to small, surface vessels
• Avoid certain medications

Certain migraine medications with ergot derivatives and beta blockers
such as propranolol act as vasoconstrictors and may cause cold
hands and feet If you suspect that a medication might be causing
your symptoms, talk with your doctor, but don’t make changes to
your medication regimen without your doctor’s advice
• Reduce stress
Chronic stress and anxiety can cause your nervous system to pump out
adrenaline This hormone also acts as a vasoconstrictor

PREVENTION OF COMMON
ILLNESSES
30 Do’s and don’ts for avoiding infections

Follow these tips to help lower your risk of infections:
•
Do wash your hands
Wash your hands with soap and water before handling food, after
using the bathroom and after handling pets Wash your hands
often when you have a cold
• Don’t share eating or drinking utensils

That’s a good way to spread infections
• Do cook certain foods thoroughly — especially hamburger

— to kill bacteria
Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat or poultry, raw seafood, or raw
eggs Don’t drink or cook with unpasteurized milk

50 Head-to-Toe Health Tips 27