is an area called hypothalamus which contains cells that acts a thermostat of human body the skin senses the temperature and these impulses of the temperature sensed by the skin travel through the specific nerves to the hypothalamus which controls the temperature or heat status of the body accordinglyif the human body is not exposed to the extremes of the temperature or unaccustomed temperature then in a healthy human body the thermostat will help in maintaining optimum body temperature but in otherwise unhealthy person or in an extreme climate the thermostat may remain ineffective therefore the proper functioning of bodys thermostat depends on healthy lifestyle which includes primarily balanced and nutritious diet regular exercise and healthy mind he added besides the food we eat can play a preventive role during winter the human being are warm blooded creatures they require to maintain a higher metabolic rate during winter to maintain body temperature and other functions diet during winter is very rich in fats and carbohydrates but the bodys metabolic rates go down during this season therefore indigestion constipation acidity etc are common problems says physician a s phadke for this to avoid one needs to take regular exercises avoid fatty and oily food one should eat a lot of fruits and vegetables as it is easier to digest says physician a s phadke people suffering from malfunctions of thyroid they need to adjust their doses during according to doctors advicephadke said paediatrician sharad agarkhedkar warns against winter diarrhoea and winter dermatitis skin problems among infants and toddlers during the season besides skin dryness and other skin related problems winter diarrhoea is one common problem seen among children parent should not exposed them to cold temperature give them food items which has ample amount of vitamin a eating carrots and drumsticks can help children suffering from winter diarrhoea need to be given plenty of fluids and oral rehydration solutions said agarkhedkar who is also president of the city chapter of indian medical association ima the cold and dry winter air is very damaging to the skin as it literally removes all moisture skin problems like xerosis excessive dry skin ichthyosis cracked heels dandruff eczema psoriasis are known to aggravate in winter all these ailments can be embarrassing and may bring discomfort he added the worst affected are asthmatics during winter season upper and lower respiratory tract problems are very common the pollution in the air triggers the release of inflammatory proteins in the body and asthmatics who are predisposed to breathing problems suffer from inflammation of the airway asthmatics should always carry preventive inhalers with them they should always avoid sudden change in temperature as it can constrict the airway pneumonia and other lower respiratory tract infections too are very common old people should avoid morning walks and it would be best if they can exercise in warm environment says chest physician sundeep salvi director of chest research foundation crf drawing attention to the other side of winter physician narendra javadekar