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Sometimes winter feels like it's trying to rob us of all of our strength. Cold weather can leave your joints stiffer and a deep chill can be hard to shake, leaving you more vulnerable to colds and flu. Hypothermia, a decrease in the body's temperature below 98.6º, is a very dangerous condition that can happen after a short time of extreme cold or a prolonged exposure to mild cold. In addition, cold temperatures can make existing conditions, like arthritis or asthma, worse.
Keeping warm is a natural instinct for most people while others are at risk. Older people and children are not as aware of a slow change in temperature, allowing the cold to penetrate their systems.
The staff at Dynamic-Living.com has been gathering together some ideas and tools to help you beat the winter chills.
Dress appropriately.
Stay aware of the temperature with a talking indoor/outdoor thermometer. This tool will help you prepare for a venture outside the home as well as warn you if the temperature drops. Wear several thin layers of clothes. The warmth from your body will get trapped between the layers. Long underwear, designed for skiing but useful for any outdoor activity in cold weather, is particularly helpful for keeping you warm and dry. Don't turn your nose up at the thought of wearing a hat. You lose a lot of body heat through your scalp; a hat will help insulate you and keep you warmer. For the same reason, you might consider a night cap for bedtime if you keep your home very cool at night. Wear socks to bed and keep a robe and slippers by the bed for those late night trips to the bathroom. If your hands are always cold, the unique material of the Thermoskin Arthritic Glove captures and retains heat. The inner lining of the glove is made of Trioxon, a unique fiber that wicks away perspiration and keeps your skin ventilated and comfortably dry, even if you wear the glove all day.
Keep moving.
Moving around generates body heat. Don't sit for long periods of time at the computer or watching tv. Get up and move around to keep blood circulating to your feet and fingertips. Alternate your household chores with periods of rest. Maintain your general physical health with regular exercise. A regular program of walking is extremely beneficial, even in the colder weather.
Use external heat sources.
A heating pad can provide heat to a chilled area, like your feet. Although it seems harmless, be careful with this form of heat. You don't want to fall asleep with the pad on or allow your skin to be overheated, so be sure to get a heating pad with an automatic shut-off control. There are even heating cushions for the car, so you don't have to deal with cold car seats. hand, toe and body warmers are small packets that create heat when exposed to air. Perfect for putting in your mitten, shoe or under a sweater to heat up those isolated spots. A nice soak in a warm tub is another heating alternative. If you cannot crouch down or get up from the floor of the tub, a bath lift can help you enjoy a soothing bath again. A bath lift lowers you safely into the water and lifts you out again. Be sure to have your bathrobe and slippers handy so you don't lose all that wonderful heat when you leave the tub.
Eat and drink properly.
A warm meal does more than provide momentary warmth. It provides needed fuel to maintain the body's furnace. Staying hydrated is very important. Hot drinks have the added benefit of making you feel warmer immediately. The medical community suggests avoiding caffeine, which is a diuretic causing water loss. Alcohol is also not recommended as it is a vasodilator which increases overall body heat loss.
Why risk your health when it is so easy to prevent being cold? Be aware of your body's need for warmth and enjoy the benefits of being stronger this winter!
© Copyright 2004 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.
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