The frigid forecast may spark fights over the thermostat, but there are medical reasons why some of us feel the cold more than others.
Certain physiological reasons lead to poor circulation, leaving your hands or feet cold.
Family medicine Dr. Santina Wheat from Northwestern’s Delnor Hospital in Geneva says those include aging, diabetes, smoking and problems with blood clots.
She says the body directs blood flow away from our extremities to focus on our critical organs and to limit heat loss from our poorly-insulated fingers and toes.
A good way to combat that is with a brisk walk or other exercise, Dr. Wheat suggests.
That will get the blood pumping.
On below-freezing days, she advises you to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and wear layers.
If you end up sweating under lots of clothing, Dr. Wheat says make sure to change into something dry and keep yourself from getting cold.
While a “beer blanket” may make you feel warmer initially because alcohol dilates blood vessels, Dr. Wheat says you’ll end up colder when they return to normal.