We are entering the season of some major cold weather here in parts of the United States. In fact, tonight, here in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, the temperature will drop to below freezing for perhaps the first time this year.
Winter conditions can be dangerous, but particularly dangerous for Seniors. So this article is about what some of those challenges for seniors are, and how you can be watchful to make sure you protect yourselves from injury, illness or other problems which can be brought on by the cold and snow.
Slipping and Sliding
The National Institutes of Health says that 1.6 million older adults enter hospital emergency rooms each year, most of which are as a result of falling. A large part of that occurs during the Winter season with the falls resulting from slipping and sliding on snow and ice.
Ice is particularly dangerous because it is often hard to see — notably what is called black ice that is difficult to see on dark surfaces like asphalt driveways. While boots or shoes with non-slip soles work well, slip-on metal cleats work very well to prevent slipping on an icy surface. I use them. They slip on over shoes or boots very easily and work well when getting the newspaper in the early morning, pre-dawn hours. Take off the metal cleats when you come inside before walking on the hardwood floor.
Snow Shoveling:
Shoveling snow can be a “heart-stopping” experience. It can also be a “back breaking” activity. Forgive the puns but they are close to reality. If you have a heart condition or even high blood pressure, long time shoveling can be especially dangerous. Hire the neighbor’s teenager if you can get them away from their phones. We’re fortunate where I live in that we have two other neighbors sharing a driveway. We get the snow shoveled very quickly, plus enjoying the camaraderie of neighbors helping neighbors. Others are not so fortunate, so please take it easy.
Warm up with some stretches before shoveling. It can loosen up your muscles and help you avoid injuring your back. Take a break. Drink water. You know the drill.
Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is a condition where your body temperature drops too low, causing blood to “collect” around your vital organs to keep them at a normal temperature. This means your extremities lose circulation, a condition that can be dangerous first to fingers, toes and ears, if prolonged during Winter temperatures, and then to other extremities if one stays exposed for too long. After too much cold exposure, your internal organs get too cold to function correctly. Hypothermia is a life threatening condition.
The solution is of course to dress warmly, in layers if possible. Many department stores sell a relatively inexpensive undershirt called “32 Degrees Heat”. They sell them for both men and women and they work wonders to keep you warm. They are sold in various plain colors in both men’s and women’s sizes. Macy’s traditionally sells them at a pretty good discount and they are well worth it. No I don’t get a commission if you buy one.
WEAR A HAT. Most body heat escapes through your head. Remember what your mother told you in the winter when you went out to make a snowman: “Don’t forget your hat and gloves.” Good advice.
All this may seem a bit elementary for me to be writing about, but as Winter begins, it is a good reminder.
This has been a SeniorFlow Moment. Thank you for reading.
