Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
When the temperature drops, older adults run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather, including hypothermia, frostbite, and falls in ice and snow. Like most things in life, it is better to be prepared. Here are a few precautions everyone should take, especially older adults, during the winter:
- Stay indoors (or don’t stay outside for very long).
- Keep indoor temperature at 65 degrees or warmer.
- Stay dry because wet clothing chills your body more quickly.
- Dress smart – protect your lungs from cold air. Layer up! Wearing 2 or 3 thinner layers of loose-fitting clothing is warmer than a single layer of thick clothing. Think about getting your thermals!
- Essential winter wear: hats, gloves (or preferably mittens), winter coat, boots, and a scarf to cover your mouth and nose.
- “Winterize” your car before the bad weather hits! This means having the antifreeze, tires, and windshield wipers checked and changed if necessary.
- Remember your cell phone when you drive in bad weather, and always let someone know where you are going and when you should be expected back.
- Avoid driving on icy roads, and be especially careful driving on overpasses or bridges. Consider alternate routes, even if it means driving a longer distance, if the more direct route is less safe. Often bigger roads are cleared of snow better than smaller roads.
- Stock your car with basic emergency supplies such as: First aid kit, blankets, extra warm clothes, booster cables, windshield scraper, shovel, rock salt or a bag of sand or cat litter (in case your wheels get stuck), water or dried food, flashlight.
Remember it is important to remain active indoors during the winter months. If you are having difficulty or feel like you are struggling with your balance, please reach out to the Beacon Hill Therapy Department to see how we can help at 616-608-8246!
