It’s ideal to stay warm in the winter for comfort, but science suggests that cold temperatures can cause mental and physical health problems, too. Read up on how to prepare yourself, your family, and other loved ones for the cold winter weather this year using these tips compiled from AAA, Weather.gov, and online mental health resources.
Take safety precautions when going outside in cold weather. Some tips to remember:
• Cover your mouth when cold winds approach to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Avoid over-exertion. Extreme cold puts strain on the cardiovascular system, so be careful if you’re at high risk for heart disease and related issues.
• Wear multiple thin layers, rather than just a few thick layers.
• Remember to stay hydrated!
• Check in on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards.
Check the weather report before traveling so you can prepare. Here are a few ways you can prepare for driving in wintery conditions:
• In any kind of precipitation, it’s important to remember that it will most likely take longer than usual to get to your destination. Give yourself plenty of extra time.
• Goes without saying, but still: drive slower and use extra caution when there may be ice.
• Keep extra distance between yourself and the car in front of you.
• Do not use cruise control in wintery weather conditions.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
• Don’t speedily power up hills. Try to get some inertia going before you reach the hill, and then let that help you up and over the hump.
• Pack an emergency supply box to keep in your car. In this you can store: snacks, water, blankets, ice scraper and brush, flashlight, sand or kitty litter for stuck tires, small container of coolant, and first-aid kit. You can find more ideas of what to pack online.
• If you live in an especially wintery climate, consider gearing your car up for cold weather conditions with a winter-grade oil change, winter windshield wiper fluid, and winter/snow tires. This may or may not be necessary depending on where you live.
• Lastly, don’t go out driving in bad conditions if you don’t need to. Stay in if possible.
Along with stormy weather, winter can bring on emotional and mental turmoil, too. Depression, particularly seasonal affective disorder, can harm people of all ages, including seniors.
Signs of seasonal affective disorder, a.k.a. “Winter blues”:
• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Irritability
• Frequent crying spells
• Weight gain or weight loss (not on purpose)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings
• Loss of enjoyment of former hobbies
• Low self-esteem
How to help a senior friend or family member through a tough winter:
• Encourage them to get some exercise, and/or exercise with them
• Give them a call or pay them a visit
• Cook healthy meals for them
• Assist them with their daily chores, such as cleaning and tidying up their living space
• On a sunny day, let the natural light in
• Add a Vitamin D (with K) supplement into their diet
• Encourage them to see a psychiatrist or primary care physician
• If you have a friendly pet, consider bringing it to visit your elderly loved one
• Join them in some of their favorite activities
• Make them a warm beverage, like tea or hot chocolate
If you found an error, highlight it and press Shift + Enter or click here to inform us.
CHC