A Guide to Winter Health Screenings and When to See a Doctor

Vitamin D tests for deficiencies

Vitamin D is a nutrient that plays an important role in supporting immune function and maintaining the health of your teeth and bones. It’s naturally found in many foods, such as eggs, beef, and fish.

Vitamin D can also be synthesized through exposure to UV rays from sunlight. But during the winter, UV rays are significantly weaker, and there is less sunlight.

As a result, people in high-latitude countries are more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency, which may lead to symptoms like fatigue, frequent illness, and muscle aches, pains, and weakness.

Consider speaking with a primary care doctor or a pharmacist about vitamin D testing if:

• you experience symptoms of vitamin D deficiency
• you live in a high-latitude area
• you’re over 60 years old
• you have an underlying health condition, such as Crohn’s disease, obesity, or kidney disease

Some at-home vitamin D test kits are also available for purchase, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to properly interpret your results.

Based on your test results, a doctor may recommend taking vitamin D supplements.

Mental health tests for stress, anxiety, and depression

The winter season is associated with higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression.

For some people, feelings of anxiety only occur during the autumn and winter months, which may be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

For others, the longer nights, reduced sunlight, and hormonal changes associated with winter may trigger or worsen symptoms of an existing anxiety or depressive disorder.

Consider speaking with a primary care doctor or a mental health specialist if you’re having difficulty managing feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness, overwhelmingness, and sadness.

They may use screening tools, such as questionnaires, blood tests, and physical examinations, to examine your symptoms and develop an appropriate management plan tailored to your needs.

Blood tests for immune and organ function

Various types of blood tests can be used to help assess the health and function of your organs, glands, and immune system.

The type of blood test a healthcare professional orders during a winter screening test depends on several factors, including your overall health, age, medical history, and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Some possible blood tests may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC measures the levels of specific components of your blood to help assess for anemia, signs of infections, and immune function.
• Thyroid panel: Thyroid tests can help determine whether your thyroid gland is overproducing or underproducing thyroid hormones, which play crucial roles in regulating energy and mood.
• Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): A CMP assesses various proteins and substances to examine the health of your liver.
• Lipid panel: A lipid panel measures the levels of cholesterol (HDL and LDL) and triglycerides in your blood, which could help assess your risk for cardiometabolic conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Tests for blood circulation

In cold temperatures, your body’s blood vessels constrict to help maintain warmth by reducing blood flow, a process known as vasoconstriction.

For some people, however, vasoconstriction may exacerbate circulatory conditions, such as:

• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• heart disease

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you have an underlying circulatory condition or experience symptoms of poor circulation, such as frequent tingling, muscle spasms, or cold fingers or toes.

Along with a medical history and physical examination, they will measure your blood pressure and may order more blood tests or an angiography to assess your circulation.

Respiratory tests for lung function

Cold, dry temperatures associated with winter can increase the risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory conditions, such as:

• asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• pneumonia
• the flu (influenza)
• upper and lower respiratory tract infections

If you have an underlying respiratory condition, such as asthma or COPD, a doctor may recommend a peak expiratory flow rate or lung function test as part of a winter health screening to assess your risk of developing complications.

When to connect with a doctor

Since there aren’t any official winter screening test guidelines, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you should connect with a doctor about screening tests.

Consider consulting a doctor if you have a respiratory, circulatory, or mental health condition that may worsen during the winter months.

You can also connect with a primary care doctor if you experience any symptoms that may signal a nutrient deficiency, mental health condition, or other condition. Some symptoms may include:

• chronic fatigue
• brain fog
• frequent illness or infections
• slow wound healing
• feelings of sadness, irritability, or stress
• wheezing or shortness of breath
• frequently feeling cold

A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and order the appropriate screening tests.

The bottom line

Health screening tests refer to medical examinations that may help determine a person’s risk of developing a specific condition or their underlying condition from worsening.

While there are no specific health screening tests for the winter, a doctor may recommend certain tests for people living with certain respiratory, circulatory, and mental health conditions.

Together, you can develop a management plan tailored to your individual needs.

30-Day Challenge