Winter can be a beautiful time of year, however, a winter wonderland can be a hazardous for seniors. Knowing the precautions to take and the symptoms of trouble can help you enjoy the coming season.
When is Winter Dangerous?
The National Weather Service categorizes winter storms in many ways. Each area of the country has different lingo to describe winter weather. Keep tuned to your local weather station to evaluate whether or not temperatures and weather pose a danger to you. If you have recently moved to an area where cold weather is a new challenge, get familiar with these general terms from the National Weather Service:
1. A winter advisory means weather is expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. Plan ahead and fill your gas tank to help prevent an ice-clogged line.
2. A frost/freeze warning means to expect below freezing temperatures that may damage unprotected plants. If you must go out to cover the plants or pipes, wear a hat and cover your mouth in addition to your normal winter gear.
3. A winter storm watch means heavy ice and snow are expected in one to two days. See tips below to avoid injury while walking on ice or shoveling snow.
4. A winter storm warning means severe weather is about to begin and you should stay indoors.
5. A blizzard warning means that outdoor conditions could well be life threatening. Time to hunker down and enjoy a good book! Winds above 40 mph are dangerous.
Walking on Snow and Ice
If you must walk on snow or ice, take special precautions to avoid falling. The U.S. Department of Defense gives many detailed tips, including:
1. Try to stay on the sidewalk, if you must step off the curb, stay as close to the edge of the street as possible. Hazardous driving conditions may keep motorists from stopping on time or braking effectively.
2. Remember that heavy snow muffles the normal sounds you expect to hear that alert you to oncoming vehicles.
3. Try to avoid carrying heavy packages while walking on ice or snow.
4. Take it slow, wear non-slip shoes, and wear brightly colored gear or reflective gear if possible.
Hypothermia
Extremely cold outside temperatures can kill, whether you are outside in the weather or are inside an living in a home with insufficient heat. One dangerous body reaction to extreme cold is hypothermia, or a serious lowering of the core body temperature. Fifty percent of hypothermia deaths occur in persons over the age of 75. Even mild cold can cause hypothermia in the elderly because of compromised circulation or respiratory conditions. The American Geriatric Society (AGS) lists warning signs of hypothermia in the elderly as shivering, cold skin that is pale or ashy, feeling tired and weak, problems walking and slowed breathing or heart rate. If the body temperature falls below 95 degrees F, a person is hypothermic and medical help should be sought immediately. Wrap persons who are hypothermic with a warm blanket, covering the body and the head. Warm fluids are OK, but alcohol and caffeinated beverages are not helpful.
Frostbite is a dangerous condition which occurs when body tissue is actually frozen from exposure to the cold. The AGS describes symptoms as a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in areas such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. You should seek medical help immediately if you or someone else has been exposed to severe cold and these symptoms occur. While waiting for help, slowly care for the affected areas and warm the body before the arms or legs. Warming the extremities first might send cold blood to the heart and damage it.
If you are inside, there are dangers as well and are typically associated with unsafe space heating units. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 300 people die each year in fires started by space heaters. There are standards for purchasing newer heaters listed on the Internet. In general, both old and new heaters should be inspected annually. Be sure your smoke detector is equipped with fresh batteries. Guard the flame, keep doors open in other areas of the house to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide fumes (a carbon monoxide detector is a good idea if you are using a fuel-burning heater). Turn off a space heater if you leave the room.
Other Good Ideas to Keep in Mind
1. Keep things clean and take care of your health, wash your hands to help prevent catching a cold. If you are sick, stay home. Take recommended immunizations for flu and pneumonia.
2. Stay active. Warm up slowly and cool down when exercising. This helps your heart keep up with circulatory demands.
3. Wear layers of clothing when you go outside. Layers allow you to add or take off winter wear as needed.
4. Plan when and learn how to safely shovel snow. Check with your doctor about such strenuous exercise. Persons with cardiac conditions or asthma and who regularly exercise in warmer months may not be able to tolerate the same amount of exercise in cold weather.
