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Magnetic storms in May: Which days you should take care of your health

Magnetic storms in May: Which days you should take care of your health Magnetic storms in May 2024 (RBC-Ukraine collage)

Magnetic storms can cause deterioration in people's well-being, triggering headaches and exacerbating chronic conditions. On these days, it is best for you to take care of your health and reduce physical and emotional stress.

The Meteoagent portal reveals an approximate schedule of magnetic storms in May 2024. Read below to know when to prioritize your health.

What is a magnetic storm

Various explosions and flashes that regularly occur on the Sun lead to the ejection of a significant amount of solar energy into space. This energy consists of charged particles (protons and electrons) that have the property of rapidly spreading in various directions, including towards Earth. When these particles reach Earth's magnetosphere, geomagnetic activity occurs, which scientists refer to as magnetic or solar storms.

All storms are classified according to indices: where the K-index from 1 to 2 indicates weak storms, K-index from 3 to 4 indicates moderate storms, and all storms above a K-index of 5 are classified as red-level storms.

Red-level storms can cause discomfort and headaches in people, and also affect the operation of communication sources such as towers, satellites, radio frequencies, and GPRS.

When there will be magnetic storms in May

According to data from NOAA satellite systems, TESIS, and international meteorological laboratories worldwide, there are three expected periods of magnetic storms in May:

  • At the beginning of the month (May 1-2) - magnetic storms with a K-index of 5 decreasing to K-index 3.
  • From May 3 to May 6 - weak geomagnetic fluctuations with a K-index of 2-3.
  • From May 7 to May 21 - low solar activity.
  • May 23-25 - a moderate-intensity magnetic storm with a K-index of 4.
  • From May 26 to May 27 - weak geomagnetic fluctuations with a K-index of 3.
  • May 28-29 - a moderate-intensity magnetic storm with a K-index of 4.

Impact of magnetic storms on humans

Scientists have conducted numerous studies on the effects of magnetic storms on human health. Some of these studies confirm a correlation between people's well-being and magnetic storms. On such days, people often complain of feeling unwell and seek medical attention, particularly from cardiologists.

The most common complaints include:

  • Headaches, migraines
  • Weakness, fatigue
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia at night
  • Brain fog, concentration difficulties
  • Dizziness
  • Quick fatigue
  • Exacerbation of chronic illnesses
  • Heart problems and changes in blood pressure

How to reduce the impact of a magnetic storm on health

During such days, healthcare professionals usually provide general recommendations and advise individuals to rest more, avoid overexertion, and monitor their health closely. Specifically:

  • Maintain a regular daily routine.
  • Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per day.
  • Eat balanced and regular meals.
  • Stay adequately hydrated.
  • Avoid excessive consumption of coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, spicy, and unhealthy foods.
  • Reduce physical exertion.
  • Breathe fresh air - in parks, outdoors, or away from urban areas.
  • Ventilate indoor spaces.
  • Minimize unnecessary stress and reduce emotional strain.
  • Seek medical attention if necessary.

We also discussed the important symptoms that cannot be ignored.

And we also talked about why blood sugar fluctuations occur.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.