So it’s July, mid-winter. We notice winter. Perhaps this is because winter gives our year its rhythm more than any other season. It’s the time when everything slows down for a few months.

Winter has clear markers. By late May the surf empties; the drone of lawn mowers disappears from Saturday arvos; the kids lace on boots with studs, magpies get testy over territory; apples become crisp and tasty; Volvo drivers get out the corduroys and skivvies.

Unlike summer, we suffer our way through winter. It’s dark when the alarm goes off and dark when we get home. We take notice of the weather report and a colleague’s new coat and make a mental note to ditch the anorak by next winter. We throw on the old favourite jumper and, inevitably, start to scratch; and then sniff, and then the flu season comes.

In winter, Australia’s daily death count jumps from about 315 to about 400. The increase is mainly among the very young from rising numbers of sudden infant death syndrome, and among the old from influenza and pneumonia.

Heart attacks are also more common in winter, especially on Mondays. Weird. So, too ,there are more deaths and injuries from falls, accidents, carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires.

There are more sprains and strains as cold, stiff muscles resist the vigour of exercise. Even foot blisters are more common evidently from the friction of thicker socks and stiff leather shoes and boots.

For many, there is the general malaise that comes with colder, darker days. Once we called this the “winter blues”. Now it’s known as “seasonal affective disorder.” Its initials are SAD (are they meaning to be funny?), and it is thought to be caused by low levels of exposure to strong sunlight. SAD sufferers claim to suffer sleep problems, lethargy, a tendency to over-eat, loss of libido and sudden mood changes.

But there are counter balances.

There are fewer crimes in winter especially in the assault and break-and-enter categories. Perhaps our crooks are a cold-blooded lot, or maybe they just stay at home more often, on the couch watching the footy.

Winter also brings out the comfort food: soups and casseroles, and hearty servings of steaming potatoes, brussels sprouts, turnips, parsnips, swedes and carrots; and apple and rhubarb pies, and real custard. Huh, maybe there’s the heart attack link … stay warm and well won’t you?

*Phillip O'Neill is Professor and Director of the Urban Research Centre for the University of Western Sydney. He regularly comments on matters affecting Sydney. And sometimes, on the weather.