It’s snowing…..again…..in our neck of the woods. Preventable injuries and accidents are common during inclement weather. Take a look at these recommendations and be safe!
1. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Keep dry.
2. Keep Dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
3. Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
4. Conserve energy. Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
5. Stay Hydrated. Did you know dehydration happens just as easily in winter as in the heat of summer? As you move about in the cold, you may not be sweating, but water vapor is still being lost through your breath (that’s the steam you see streaming from your mouth in frigid temperatures.)
Winter can also accelerate dehydration because mammals have a survival mechanism that constricts blood vessels in cold weather, to conserve heat and maintain body temperature. Blood vessels shrinking increases blood pressure. To lower the pressure, your kidneys make more urine, meaning less blood to fill veins and arteries, more frequent trips to the bathroom and greater risk of dehydration. Stick to non caffeinated warm beverages and soups.
In good health,
Sarah
noexcuseschallenge 