Expert: Florence M Rollwagen - 5/17/2008

Question
hi Florence,
I always feel very cold. I have to wear more warm clothes than an avg. person ans still my hands and feet are cold. I feel tierd easily and i dont think i have much muscle mass. I am 5' 2" tall and weigh 60kgsand my hemoglobin is 13. My doc friend told me that i feel cold due to poor blood circulation. She said arobics can help but i have broncitis so feel out of breath very soon. Is there any other way to boost up circulation?
Thanks for taking time out to help me
Regards
Kshipra

Answer
Hi Kshipra:  Sorry you don't feel well.  Your body weight and hemoglobin levels seem within normal levels.  You didn't tell me  your gender and age, so I can't be sure.  

Often if we don't move around very much, we feel cold.  Your friend is correct, some exercise will make you warmer and will make you feel better.  You can start slowly, with a walk around the block every day.  Then if you feel OK, you can walk more.  

If you have chronic bronchitis, you should see your doctor to get it treated.  If you can't afford that, you can try an over the counter inhaler to help you breathe better.

There are many conditions that mimic your symptoms, such as hypothyroid, emphysema (do you smoke?, or are you in a smoky environment?), asthma.  

I am not a medical doctor, so I can't give you medical information.  However, if you find yourself short of breath, call 911 immediately.  This could be a serious problem.

I hope this answer has helped you.  Please write back if you have more questions.

FM Rollwagen, PhD