When I feel the edge of these early fall winds I begin to think about winter, do you? I wonder, what can I do to ensure a safe season for me and my parent? Though there are several hazards in winter, I'm most concerned about guarding against hypothermia, dehydration, and major storms.
As we grow older it doesn't take an especially cold indoor temperature to cause hypothermia in winter. Some parents, like mine, try to save money by turning the thermostat lower then 68 or 70 which is the recommended setting to ensure safety. Certain health conditions can also make us more vulnerable. Thyroid problems or diabetes cause body temperature to run low thereby increasing hypothermic risk during the cold season. Memory problems or restrictions that make it hard to move or put on clothes create challenges in being adequately dressed for the cold. You and I may stay active during winter but inactive lifestyles are at increased risk for indoor hypothermia and steps need to be taken to provide warmth.
Dehydration, another main concern, happens as easily in winter as in summer. Don't like water? Try flavoring water with lemon or drink juice or soda. Even watery fruits help us avoid the dangers of dehydration. It's easier to dehydrate once we reach 60 because fluids in our bodies decline as a proportion of our weight and thinning skin causes us to need a higher fluid intake. Episodes of diahhrea or vomiting that come with winter illness will, of course, quickly cause dehydration. Dehydration can kill and is a major cause of hospital visits for older generations so having an ample supply of fluids everyone will drink is high on the list of winter preparations.
Dehydration and hypothermia are dangers we can control but winter weather is harder to manage. Backup generators, emergency kits, and ample supplies of medicines can ease the impact of winter storms. Many communities have volunteer programs for snow removal or help with sandbagging and other winter preparations. Here in the north, I see bags of ice remover in stores already and it's important to have that on hand because even after a path in the snow is cleared there's still the danger of slippery ice. Are there neighbors who can help? This is the time of year I start renewing connections with people nearby that can help me or my parent with unexpected minor winter problems. Exchanging phone numbers or email and making time to chat helps me feel more comfortable calling for help.
Taking the time to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones and knowing how takes stress off our minds and maximizes the odds that this will be a safe winter. Maybe you have other suggestions for getting ready for winter? Let us know what you do to prepare. Or, maybe you'd rather enjoy every last bit of summer before you start thinking about those dark cold months....totally understandable. Enjoy!
Updates:
Article from National Institutes of Health overviews hypothermia and age. Also find links here for financial help with heating costs.
Great list from weather.gov with links to all weather alert sites and aps.
