Canadian Weather and How to Survive

For many people who came from different countries, like me, the Canadian climate and the seasons of the year can cause strangeness, mainly when we realize how distinct the seasons are here. Probably the winter is the most feared season for all, both for Canadians and foreigners because it demands a lot of extra care related to our health and body.

Photo on <a href="https://visualhunt.com/re/c49416">Visual Hunt</a>

I will classify some misconceptions and provide you with some things to do during the four seasons of the year. We talked with Camile, a Brazilian student who lives in Toronto for almost three years to get some tips about the weather and how to adapt.

WINTER

Winter is the most dreaded season (because of the extreme cold) and there are some cautions that are recommended for those who will spend the long winter here in Canada. Firstly your skin in the winter gets very, very dry. It’s essential to have a good cream and use it daily and several times a day. Camile also finds it important to have a humidifier at home, which helps your skin (and the dryness of your nose, which sometimes needs a saline solution). When it comes to the flu, it's worth taking a lot of vitamin C and always staying hydrated. Also, the use of sunscreen is critical because white snow reflects the sun and can cause strong burns. And don’t forget about vitamin D, which is very important at this time of year since sun exposure (and sunshine time) is reduced. It is also important to say that we have to find a reason and an activity to leave the house, even if it’s very cold. Enjoying the winter and finding a hobby associated with this season is important for the health of your body and mind.

SPRING

Spring is a “dangerous” season when it comes to health, and our guest Camile considers it more dangerous than winter. That’s because the temperature at this time is kind of crazy, she says, with hot days and other days of intense cold. So, we have to be prepared for everything. The flu season spreads during the winter and the anxiety for escaping the house once there is no snow increases. So a lot of vitamin C and sleep are also fundamental during this season. It is also the season for allergies, since the pollen is at high levels and trees are in bloom.

SUMMER

Summer is a beautiful season here, but very hot and dry. Lots of hydration (water, humidifier) and lots of care (sunscreen, don’t expose yourself to the sun at peak times) are super important. Another important tip that can affect your health in the summer is the quality of the lake water here in Toronto. Toronto has 11 beaches, but it is always good to stay connected and check the quality of the water before swimming. A very important index for keeping an eye on in the summer is the Air Quality Health Index, especially when we enjoy exercising outdoors. This index measures air quality in terms of health and shows how dangerous it is for people (especially with heart problems, diabetics, children, athletes with vigorous activities and the elderly).

AUTUMN

The first health care advice we hear during the fall is "take your flu shot." Yes, it’s at this time that you should take your vaccine and it is given in hospitals, doctor's clinics, pharmacies and even some supermarkets. Another tip is to take advantage of the last days of heat on the street and preferably exercise. Not that autumn is hot, but still you will miss the positive temperatures. Camile said that autumn is too beautiful and worth spending time admiring the colorful scenery of the season.