COLD WEATHER TIPS – PART 1
The older we get, the faster adults can lose body heat, much faster than when we were young. These changes can make it harder for you to realize how cold you really are and a big chill when you are a senior can easily turn into life-threatening hypothermia if you are not careful.
When your body temperature gets to be 95°F degree or lower, health issues with your heart, kidney and liver can ensue. This means that even if you are inside, in a cold house, you could be at a risk for hypothermia.
When a person gets hypothermia, you may see that they are shivering and speaking slowly, or they may have pale skin, a puffy or swollen face or might seem like they are having trouble with their motor skills. If you suspect hypothermia, wrap them in a blanket and call 9-1-1 to get the proper help.
So, what can you do to avoid hypothermia in the first place as you get older?
Here Are A Few Winter Weather Tips To Keep You Safe While Indoors.
1. Most importantly, keep your home heating set to a minimum of 68°F- 70°F degrees so you don’t put your health in danger.
2. Wear a sweater in the house when it is cold out and wear your socks and slippers. The better you cover yourself the less heat you will lose.
3. Cover your legs with a blanket to keep in the heat.
4. If your house is drafty, place a towel that has been rolled up in front of all your doors. You can also keep your curtains and blinds closed and make sure you have weather stripping around windows to minimize any cold air that is trying to make its way in.
5. You are going to want to make sure to minimize alcohol as this can make you lose body heat. You also want to make sure you are eating regularly and enough to maintain your body fat, which in turn will help keep you warmer.
6. Space heaters are a NO NO! These are a huge fire hazard, so opt for the tips above to avoid a potential fire.
It is always a good idea to stay in touch with your family and close friends and have them look in on you when the cold weather hits. If for any reason the power goes out and you lose heat, make sure to have a backup plan that lets you stay with others to stay warm. Tune in next month for more cold weather tips for when you go outside.
For more information, contact us today.