Tips for Staying Safe & Healthy During the Winter

Tips for Staying Safe & Healthy During the Winter:

                With colder temperatures and severe weather conditions, Winter can cause some unsafe situations if precautionary measures aren’t taken. Some of those unsafe situations include frostbite, illnesses such as colds and flus, and dangerous road conditions. Here are a few tips on how you can stay safe and healthy during the Winter season.

·         Dressing Warmly: Dressing appropriately for the weather is very important for preventing frostbite. You are more susceptible to frostbite when skin is exposed in colder temperatures. Scarves, hats, coats, earmuffs, gloves, mittens, knee high socks, legwarmers and long-sleeved clothing such as sweaters and sweatshirts are all good examples of clothes that should be worn in the Winter when temperatures are colder. Wool, fleece, flannel and thermal clothing are also beneficial to keeping you warm during the colder months of the year. According to The Washington Post, cotton clothing is not beneficial for colder weather as it absorbs moisture and traps it next to your skin.

·         Check Weather Reports: Make sure to frequently check the weather reports to know of any dangerous driving conditions that could affect your commute to work. If the weather report mentions anything regarding ice or snow, you can plan ahead by leaving your home a little earlier than usual when heading to work, in case of any traffic or accidents caused by poor weather conditions that could potentially result in you arriving to work later than usual. Additionally, it is important to check for any closings or delays that may also affect your work commute.

·         Staying Dry: It is very important to stay dry during the Winter. Wet clothes provide little protection to colder temperatures as they draw heat away from the body. According to The Oakland Press, if you do get wet, it is best advised to relocate to a warm location and remove any wet clothing immediately, replacing it with dry clothing.

·         Eating Right When Sick: It is important to make sure you are eating healthy, especially when battling a cold or flu. Orange juice is loaded with Vitamin C which is essential to helping your immune system recover from illness. Honey can also help soothe a sore throat and suppress coughing. Hot tea, chicken noodle soup and broths are good when battling colds and flus as they work as a decongestant. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

·         Proper Car Maintenance: It is important to make sure your vehicle is properly maintained to keep you safe during the Winter where driving conditions can worsen due to ice, snow and frigid temperatures.

·         Watch out for warning signs of frostbite: According to The Oakland Press, frostbite can be avoided by looking out for early warning signs. If you feel your toes, fingers, ears or other body parts start to feel frozen or numb or if your skin starts to look waxy or grayish, get indoors immediately. If blisters appear, do not open them. Seek medical assistance and do not expose yourself to cold temperatures again.