Falling temperatures, rising ailments

There has also been a sharp increase in the cases of rheumatics, arthritis, spondylitis and those suffering from chest ailments. quot;The rheumatism and arthritis get precipitated during winters 8211; even the dormant ones become active and painful,quot; says Dr O.P. Nagi, Head of Orthopaedics Department, PGI.

And with the cold winter days discouraging the patients from doing their regular exercises and going out for long evening and morning walks, these problems have increased.

Dr G.S. Kochar, president of Chandigarh Nursing Home Association, says: quot;Although the diseases are not so much related to temperature than remaining inactive, these become more painful because people tend to stay warm in bed instead of exercising. If the patients remain mobile the way they normally are, the ailments would be less problematic.quot;

For instant, relief doctors suggest hot fermentation and use of heat pads and lamps available in the market.