Episode Number
116
Episode Show Notes / Description
Blood is the body’s lifeline, carrying oxygen and nutrients to every organ. In winter, circulation can slow, but there are things you can do to improve your circulation despite the cold temperatures.
Transcript
Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to honor donors and remind us of the lifesaving power of blood. It’s also the coldest month of the year for many, when circulation is often challenged.
Blood is the body’s lifeline, carrying oxygen and nutrients to every organ. In winter, circulation can slow because of cold temperatures. Blood vessels narrow to conserve heat, which often leaves hands and feet feeling cold. Less physical activity, dehydration, and heavier “comfort foods” can also affect how efficiently blood moves through the body. For people with conditions like diabetes or heart disease, cold weather may place extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Here are 3 Tips to Improve Circulation this Winter:
1. Keep Moving: Even indoor activity—walking, stretching, or chair exercises—keeps blood pumping and prevents stiffness. The goal is to reduce long bouts of sitting so aim for 3, 10-minute bursts of physical activity.
2. Dress Warm: Layer clothing, wear gloves and socks, and use warming blankets or warm baths to help blood vessels stay open.
3. Stay Hydrated & Eat Well: Drink plenty of water and include circulation-friendly foods like leafy greens, citrus, salmon, and nuts which can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
This week and all winter long, keep your circulation strong through movement, hydration, warmth, and variety of nutrient dense-foods. If circulation problems persist, check with your healthcare provider.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. This has been Kristin Bogdonas, food and nutrition educator with University of Illinois Extension.
January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to honor donors and remind us of the lifesaving power of blood. It’s also the coldest month of the year for many, when circulation is often challenged.
Blood is the body’s lifeline, carrying oxygen and nutrients to every organ. In winter, circulation can slow because of cold temperatures. Blood vessels narrow to conserve heat, which often leaves hands and feet feeling cold. Less physical activity, dehydration, and heavier “comfort foods” can also affect how efficiently blood moves through the body. For people with conditions like diabetes or heart disease, cold weather may place extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Here are 3 Tips to Improve Circulation this Winter:
1. Keep Moving: Even indoor activity—walking, stretching, or chair exercises—keeps blood pumping and prevents stiffness. The goal is to reduce long bouts of sitting so aim for 3, 10-minute bursts of physical activity.
2. Dress Warm: Layer clothing, wear gloves and socks, and use warming blankets or warm baths to help blood vessels stay open.
3. Stay Hydrated & Eat Well: Drink plenty of water and include circulation-friendly foods like leafy greens, citrus, salmon, and nuts which can improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
This week and all winter long, keep your circulation strong through movement, hydration, warmth, and variety of nutrient dense-foods. If circulation problems persist, check with your healthcare provider.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. This has been Kristin Bogdonas, food and nutrition educator with University of Illinois Extension.