Some Semi Obvious Tips For Fighting the Cold This Winter

If you want to remain in good health, then fighting cold weather dangers is essential. A drop in temperatures can lead to serious health problems, including hypothermia or frostbite. Here are some ways to remain safe in the winter while at home or when you are using a vehicle. 

Cold Weather Tip 1: Maintain Heating Systems

Make sure that your home’s furnace is operating optimally in the winter by having it inspected by a technician who can replace worn mechanisms or change an air filter. If you don’t know how to replace the air filter in your home’s furnace, then learn how to do this once a month. You should also verify that your vehicle’s heating system is working before winter begins. 

Cold Weather Tip 2: Layer Your Garments

Layer your garments while you are outside or inside your home to avoid problems from feeling too cold. Fighting cold dangers is easier when you protect your body from the problems of poor blood circulation that can cause frostbite. If you live in a cold region, then have long undergarments to wear underneath heavy jeans, corduroy pants or thick sweaters. 

Cold Weather Tip 3: Keep Enough Food In Your Home

When the weather is inclement, it is impossible to drive anywhere, so make sure to keep enough food in your home for emergencies. In addition to having an assortment of food that is frozen or refrigerated, you should make sure to stock up on nonperishable foods such as canned meats, fruits and vegetables. 

Cold Weather Tip 4: Use Caution While Shoveling Snow

If you are not in excellent physical condition, then shoveling snow is a strenuous activity. Make sure to wear slip-resistant footwear while shoveling snow, and also, wear a hat and gloves. You may want to wear a back brace while you are shoveling snow to prevent an injury to your back. 

Cold Weather Tip 5: Remain Hydrated In the Winter

To avoid dehydration in the winter, drink a lot of water. The cold temperatures in the winter can lead to changes inside your body as moisture travels to your core to maintain your vital organs. Not only can you become dehydrated outside while trying to shovel snow or clean your vehicle, but also, you can become thirstier while you are inside a building. 

Cold Weather Tip 6: Have an Indoor Exercise Routine

Instead of having an outdoor exercise routine, plan an indoor physical activity such as riding a stationary bicycle or performing yoga poses. Fighting cold weather is easier when your muscles, bones or tendons are strong and flexible. Schedule your exercise routine earlier in the day to warm your body so that you can withstand the cold temperatures outside. 

Cold Weather Tip 7: Have Emergency Supplies In Your Vehicle

Before winter begins, make sure to store some emergency supplies in your vehicle. Keep a heavy blanket nearby to use if your vehicle won’t start, and also, carry ice scrapers along with spray deicer. Bring along a snow shovel to remove any snow that collects near your vehicle’s tires. 

The Health Risks of Winter

As you get older, there are more health risks during the winter. If you want to protect your health and prevent injuries, then it is a good idea to understand the different risks.

1: Falling On Slippery Surfaces

Streets and sidewalks are slippery in the winter, leading to numerous slip and fall injuries. An older individual with poor mobility and vision is more likely to slip on an icy or snowy surface. As you get older, it is easier to break a hip or tear the cartilage in a knee during a fall. In some cases, it is possible to fall hard enough to incur a head injury. If you have problems balancing on slippery surfaces, then make sure to use a cane. To avoid falling, you can also wear nonslip shoes that are similar to what nurses' wear. 

2: Having a Heart Attack While Shoveling Snow

If you are not accustomed to strenuous activity, then shoveling snow can lead to a heart attack. Not only are you trying to cope with cold temperatures during a snowstorm, but also, lifting heavy snow can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, causing a massive heart attack. When you are not physically fit, it is essential to have someone else clear your home’s sidewalks and driveway. 

3: Contracting an Upper Respiratory Infection

Winter is the time of year when more individuals develop an upper respiratory infection. To help prevent winter illnesses, make sure to get several vaccinations, including for influenza, shingles and pneumonia. It is possible to avoid other illnesses by making sure to wash your hands frequently, drinking a lot of water and eating a healthier diet. 

4: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Inside Your Vehicle 

Make sure to clear away the snow and ice from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe. Don’t sit inside a running vehicle until the carbon monoxide gases can escape from the tailpipe. You can’t smell or see carbon monoxide gas, and it can lead to respiratory distress within a few minutes. If you are stranded on a road in a broken-down vehicle in the winter, then you must continue to clear away the snow from a vehicle’s tailpipe. 

5: Developing Hypothermia from the Cold Temperatures

In the winter, it is also important to have emergency supplies at home in case the power goes off. If you don’t have electricity in your home during a blizzard, then you can keep warm by wearing multiple layers of clothing. When you have a fireplace, make sure to have enough firewood to build a fire for several days. If you don’t have a fireplace, then you may need to warm your home with indoor-safe propane heaters. In addition, make sure to have plenty of food and bottled water to survive a long-term blizzard. 

6: The Dangers of Frostbite

Extremely cold temperatures can lead to having frostbite. This condition is most common in certain areas of the body that have poor circulation such as the toes and fingers. If you have a circulatory problem, heart disease or arthritis, then you are at higher risk of contracting frostbite. There are different levels of frostbite that can lead to complications such as destruction of body tissue or an infection that spreads throughout the body. Diabetics with peripheral neuropathy are more likely to develop frostbite. To avoid developing frostbite, make sure to wear a heavy coat, thick socks and gloves.