Staying Healthy
Baby, it's cold inside
Why are you cold, even when it's hot out? Older age and underlying conditions can affect your thermostat.
It's warm outside, yet you're grabbing a sweater because you frequently feel cold. Is it in your head, or are you really experiencing a personal permafrost? Don't worry; lots of older people feel cold, and it could reflect any of a number of potential causes.
A sophisticated thermostat
We all need to maintain a certain core temperature — about 98.6° F — to keep the body's many systems and biological processes (like chemical reactions) in good working order. The body has a way to protect this temperature.
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About the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
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