by Monique Barb -

Weather affects all aspects of human behavior. Most of us casually tune in to the weather forecast to find out whether we should take an umbrella to work or if we should go to the football match. But perhaps we should listen more carefully, because the day's weather could seriously affect how we feel.

Though weather affects people in drastic ways, it can also affect the human race in simpler ways. It has been noted that the human immune system is affected in extreme heat or cold. Mood can also be affected by weather, making good or bad moods' hence the common scene of heavy downpour in Soap operas when a person cries.

Research has shown that greater degrees of sunshine experienced directly are associated with greater amounts of compliance and tipping. Of course, we mostly feel better when the sun shines and worse when it rains. But scientists and doctors are starting to realise that ordinary cold weather can bring depression, severe headaches and asthma. Growing numbers of people are being diagnosed as weather-sensitive.

The hazards of hot climates are well-known, particularly the danger of the sun's rays leading to skin cancer. But did you know that high temperatures can lead to strokes and heart attacks?

Of course, sufferers from rheumatism and asthma have long complained of feeling worse when it rains, but more dangerously, a very cold period can bring on fatal heart attacks and strokes in the elderly.

It may come as a surprise to learn that even temperate climates present a health risk.

Winter depression (or winter blues) is a common slump in the mood of Scandinavians. Doctors estimate that about 20% of all Scandinavians are affected, and it seems to be genetically heritable.

500,000 people in Britain are said to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), brought on by low cloud and the long dark nights of winter. People with SAD become extremely depressed due to changes in their brain biochemistry. They sleep for many hours but never feel rested. They are irritable and feel incapable of work or socialising. But they feel better as soon as the days start to get longer and 80% of sufferers are helped in the winter months if they spend two hours a day under artificial lights.

We invite you to answer to these questions on our Environmental Protection Forum

What do you think? How far does the weather influence how you feel?

Weather's Influence on People written by Monique Barb for FamousWhy.com
FamousWhy.com - Famous People ... Famous Regions, a Lot Of Articles and Free Software Downloads

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Tags: weather, influence, people, behavior, mood

Category: Science & Tech  - ( Science & Tech Archive)

Date Added: 27 July '09

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