Baby it's Cold Outside - February 2005
Our winter has been warm and rainy so far, but the weathermen are predicting a cold and snowy end to our winter season. And since we all know that their predictions are highly accurate, I thought I should discuss some issues specific to the cold winter season.
- Falls: if it's snowy and icy, use caution when walking outside. Wear shoes with a non-skid sole. Keep your sidewalks clean …pay those neighborhood kids if you are unable to clean them yourself. And don't forget to drive carefully also; slow down, allow extra space between you and the car ahead of you, have a blanket, shovel and some “ice melt” or cat litter in your car.
- Hypothermia/Frostbite: Dress in layers, wearing good thermal lined boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat…sorry Rick, but a lot of body heat is lost from your head, so keep it covered. Limit your time outside, and avoid alcohol in excess; it can alter your perception of the cold and even cause heat loss. If your fingers or toes feel cold, hard and are white or waxy in color, get inside, and seek medical care.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: carbon monoxide, or CO, is a deadly colorless and odorless gas which can be found in fumes of malfunctioning heating systems, wood stoves, kerosene heaters and car exhaust. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea and confusion. Remove yourself immediately from an area if you or anyone else feels sick in a situation where any of these devices are used. Call 911 to have CO levels in your house checked. Have these systems properly installed and maintained yearly. Use space heaters in a well ventilated area and turn it off at bedtime. Install carbon monoxide detectors, and change the batteries yearly, or as directed by the manufacturer. Do not run your car engine in an enclosed area without proper ventilation, and if you are stuck in a snow bank, with the engine running, be sure that the tailpipe is not clogged with snow.
- Fires: Always a concern with the use of fireplaces, furnaces or any heating system. Have your heating systems checked yearly. Do not run space heaters at bedtime, and keep them away from curtains, towels or anything that can catch fire. When using candles or oil lamps, be sure to blow them out when you leave the room. Install smoke detectors in all bedrooms, and on every level of your home; change these batteries yearly. Also have a fire extinguisher available. However, leave firefighting to the professionals and call 911 for anything but a small, easily contained fire.
- “Umbles”: as described in an online article by the National Institute on Aging, January 2003, if you notice someone who, “fumbles, stumbles, mumbles or grumbles”, seek medical care for hypothermia, CO poisoning or even a stroke.
- Common Sense: Don't forget to check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, who are more susceptible to cold injuries and CO poisoning. Call them on a regular basis, offer assistance to get groceries, clean sidewalks, or help them in whatever way you are able. And if the weather outside is frightful-don't risk falling or being in a car wreck; curl up on the sofa with a good book, a cup of hot cocoa or tea, watch the snowing and blowing outside and just stay home.
Until next time, stay warm, be safe and take care. Linda |
