Article - Cold Weather Affects Your Body And Your Driving

In a large portion of the country, winter brings changes to the weather that challenge your body. Some parts of the country deal with bone chilling cold, while others only see a 30 degree drop the temperature. In some of the warmer climates, this is the rainy season, with miserable joint stiffening dampness added to your day. Either way, your body reacts a bit more slowly and cautiously than in warmer, drier months. These changes can affect your daily routines and abilities, particularly your access to the car and the way you drive.

Getting in and out of the car

The last thing you need when you're rushing out the door or reaching your destination is a struggle to maneuver into or out of the car. Or worse, an injury caused by a strange twist or turn while sitting or standing from the car seat. We offer several suggestions because solutions to this problem are not one size fits all. Try different techniques and/or aids to see what works for you.

Often, the best way to sit is to have your (or your loved one's) back to the car seat while lowering into the seat. Then swivel the body around, raising the legs one at a time, to put them into the car as you turn to face forward. You don't want to drop into the seat too quickly, possibly straining your back or banging your head.

Using a device like the HandyBar Car Aid or the Car Caddie can help provide just the leverage and balance help you need at that moment. These two aids can be used individually or together. The HandyBar Car Aid is solid and stable, kind of like an armrest as you sit or rise from the seat. Whereas the Car Caddie is more of a balancing aid to help slow the motion as you sit and something to pull on as you stand.

Once seated, if the twisting action is difficult, try using a Swivel Seat (best for short car rides) or the Soft Fabric Swivel Seat for longer car trips. These discs help reduce friction and promote a smooth motion while turning. If your leg muscles are weak and you need assistance to bring your leg into the car, the leg lifter has a loop for your foot. Then you can move your leg with an assist from your arm.

Help when you're feeling stiff

If you are the driver, it is important that your muscles are supple enough to allow free movement of your neck and back to properly look around you and that your hands are able to grip and release the steering wheel appropriately. If there is some stiffness, the Oversized Rearview Mirror will help you to see more around your car, including the typical blind spots. The Memory Foam Steering Wheel Cover makes the steering wheel easier to grasp while protecting your hands from the cold.

Driving adds to the feeling of independence, allowing you to come an go as you please. These aids extend your independence when the cold or damp weather might be telling your body to stay inside!

© Copyright 2012 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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