How to Stay Safe and Warm During the Winter

Winter brings hushed white beauty and thrilling action sports on ice and snow. For Canadians it brings days of deep cold and wind chills driven by arctic blasts. Taking special precautions protects everyone’s health, especially for elders. While outdoors one is at risk for falls, hypothermia, and frost nip or bite.

The negative effects of cold can occur indoors too. Reduced activity, and circulation and metabolism changes cause seniors to have increased cold sensitivity. Thus hypothermia can happen inside as well as out. This condition occurs when the body temperature goes below normal for a period of time. Signs include confusion, slurred speech, shivering, and slowed reactions.

To reduce the risk of cold-related injury, illness, or hypothermia, consider following these tips for staying warm:

When indoors:

1. Keep your home warm; low temperatures contribute to hypothermia.
2. Get up and move frequently to warm muscles.
3. Wear layers of clothes, warm socks, a cap and a cozy afghan.
4. Drink a lot of fluid and limit alcohol.

When outside

1. Wear layers of clothes that provide added warmth.
2. Be sure to wear winter hat, mittens or gloves, and warm, waterproof footgear to maintain body heat.
3. Have home steps and walkways cleared of snow and ice, and treated to melt icy coatings.
4. Avoid slippery surfaces; walk with a cane or ski poles; and use ice snow grips for boots and shoes.