By Mervet Adams, Health Alliance
I always remember December from my childhood, when the weather got subzero, and the wind was playfully whipping snowflakes around. School was out for the holidays, and my sister and I always loved to play outdoors, despite the frigid temperatures.
We would come downstairs with our garb, and Mom would get us all bundled up to brave the weather. Snowsuits, scarves, hats, gloves, and boots were standard outerwear those days. My mom would secure the scarf so that it would stay put, and the hat would cover my ears and my forehead. When she was through, I could barely see and hardly move.
I remember stiffly walking out the door, hoping that with more movement, I would loosen up enough to enjoy some of the winter wonderland we called our yard. Hot cocoa would be waiting for us when we came in, and it was like magic what that cup of warmth could do!
Today, I run out of the house without a coat, hat, gloves, or scarf, thinking, I’m just going to the car, then running in to work. My days of bundling up are over. This is what happens when you go from six-years-old to 60. But honestly, what am I thinking?
Winter health risks should be a concern for our aging population (Hey, that’s me too!). The most obvious risk is the weather itself.
Midwestern winters can consist of ice and snow. Driving is a challenge. Walking is even more of a challenge. Slips on ice are a major risk, so it’s important to wear the right shoes or boots with good traction if you have to go out.
Hypothermia is also a common winter-weather health risk. Hypothermia means your body temperature has fallen below 95 degrees, and once it gets to that point for a prolonged period of time, you can’t produce enough energy to stay warm.
Symptoms include shivering, cold pale skin, lack of coordination, slowed reactions and breathing, and mental confusion. It’s good to pay attention to how cold it is where you are, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Also, make sure you’re eating enough to keep up a healthy weight. Body fat helps you stay warm.
Frostbite is another health risk during the winter months. Frostbite means your skin has been over-exposed to cold temperatures, and it usually affects the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, and toes. It can be severe and cause permanent damage to the skin, and it may even progress to the bone.
Frostbite can affect anyone who is exposed to below-freezing temperatures, in particular, those who aren’t wearing the right clothing. It’s important to wear layers, preferably two to three layers of loose-fitting clothing, as well as a coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf. Covering up your nose and mouth will also protect your lungs from the cold air.
As for drinking a cup of hot cocoa, well, that is a winter-weather health benefit! According to a study at Cornell University, hot cocoa has almost twice as many antioxidants as red wine, and two to three times more than green tea! This winter, enjoy the magic of the season by keeping yourself safe and warm.
Mervet Adams is a community liaison with Health Alliance. She loves her grandson, family, nature, and fashion.