Jacqueline
Howard writes in her article titled, “Stay Warm and Help Those in Need
with This Winter Safety Checklist”, about ways to stay safe during the
winter months. Infants and older adults are more at risk for injuries
and illnesses during the winter months. Infants are more at risk because
of their tendency to lose body heat and elderly adults make less body
heat. In general, infants under the age of 1 should not sleep in cold
rooms at night and should always wear warm clothing while sleeping. If
you know anyone over the age of 65, it is important to ensure that their
heaters are working. It would also be helpful to offer to shovel their
driveway.
Although
fires may be enjoyable in the winter, it is critical to be careful when
making fires or using space heaters. To prevent pipes from freezing, you
can leave water taps slightly open. For outdoor winter safety, some
recommendations include wearing layers of clothing and avoid walking on
ice or getting wet. If you are shoveling, it is best to take your time
and shovel slowly to avoid possible injury. If you become stranded
outside, it is safest to remain in your car. Regarding pets in the
winter, it is best to not allow them to be in the snow or ice. If they
do go outside, then it is critical to wipe off their paws and belly.
The
winter weather can be dangerous for certain health risks like heart
attacks, asthma, frostbite, and hypothermia. Cold weather is more likely
to be associated with deaths than the heat. If you have cardiovascular
disease, the cold weather can cause vasoconstriction, which is narrowing
of the blood vessels. Shoveling can cause issues for those with
cardiovascular disease because of the risk of overexertion. The British
Medical Journal found that even a 1-degree Celsius change in temperature
can cause a 2% increased risk for heart attack. The phenomenon of
winter weather and increased rates of heart attacks or strokes is
referred to “Merry Christmas Coronary” and “Happy New Year Heart
Attack”. The lungs can also take a hit in the colder months, especially
for those with asthma or COPD. It can be beneficial if you had asthma to
wear a scarf around your mouth to breathe in steam from your mouth.
Alcohol
should be avoided during the cold months because it can impair judgment
and ability to sense cold, which may lead to further complications like
frostbite or even hypothermia. Alcohol also causes widening of blood
vessels, which causes heat loss. Some ways to keep our circulatory
system healthy during the winter months include exercising. To find out
more ways to keep yourself healthy this winter season, please our
website at www.oxborochiro.com.
