Now that winter is starting, thought I would share with you some winter tips. This together with the guides we gave you at COA sessions will make your first winter an exciting one. I found this on a website mun.ca/isa/info/SURVIVING_WINTER_IN_CANADA_infosheet.pdf SURVIVING WINTER IN CANADA WEATHER Winter weather can be unforgiving, with high windchills, heavy snowfalls, blizzards, freezing rain and extremely cold temperatures. This can make it extremely difficult to go travelling or even venture outside. Winter in Canada can last for almost six months depending on where you live. Snow can arrive in late October and usually sticks around until March or much later! • Wind chill factor – is a calculation that takes into account the effect of the wind to provide a reading of the apparent temperature, as opposed to the actual temperature as registered on a thermometer. It is recommended to wear wind-proof clothing on cold windy days. • Frostbite – You will not freeze, but if your skin is exposed to extremely low temperatures then you could get frostbite, which is the partial-freezing of exposed parts of the body. • Forecast - Before you leave your house you should check the weather forecast to dress according to the specific conditions that day. TIP: The sun shines on the coldest days and cloudy days are often warmer CLOTHING Dress warmly in layers and cover the pulse points • Feet – keep them dry and warm with wool socks and thermal insoles. • Waterproof boots, preferably knee length • Avoid leather soles as they are slippery on ice • Hands – Mittens are better than gloves and make them windproof • Head – Protect ears and forehead. Wear a hat – most of your body heat is lost through your head • Neck – Scarf and turtleneck sweater • The Layering System – Tight clothes are not warm • Undershirt – keep it tucked in • Clothing – Thin layers of loose fitting clothing (fleece) will trap body heat. • Outer clothing – wind and waterproof outerlayer Jacket/Coats – features to look for: Long, nearly knee length High collar or hood Cuffs that close around hand Pockets to slip hands into Waist cinch Coat should be large enough to accommodate a sweater TIP: Expose as little skin as possible in very cold weather. Frostbite can happen in a very short time. PHYSICAL HEALTH • Sunshine - Will help your mood • Oxygen – Get moving and get outside. • Exercise – Preferably out of doors. • Skin – Protect your skin by wearing sun screen and sun glasses • Healthy diet. o Eat lots of fruit and vegetables • Vitamins – Get them from the natural source, but supplement if you must • Walk safely – Ice cannot always be seen either underfoot or above your head • Colds – YOU WILL GET THEM! More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common cold. Generally colds take one week to work through the system. There is no cure, but you can get relief from your cold symptoms by: Resting in bed Drinking plenty of fluids Gargling with warm salt water or using throat lozenges for a scratchy sore throat. Eating fruit Taking over the counter medicines (you do not need to consult your doctor but ask the pharmacist for advice). • When the air is dry, your skin will be dry, flaky and itchy. Use a moisturizer TIP: Wash your hands often and do not put them near your eyes, nose or mouth as this is the most common way for viruses to be introduced into your body. PEDESTRIAN SAFETY • Sidewalks disappear in winter and pedestrians are forced to walk on the streets. • Always walk facing oncoming traffic and be prepared to climb up onto the snow bank if necessary • If walking in the evening or at night where reflectors or lights so that you are visible to the drivers. • Never assume that a driver will see you – You must be a defensive walker! • Roads can be covered in snow and ice and drivers will not be able to stop as quickly. EMOTIONAL HEALTH • Get outside and play! Laugh! • Find the sun – look for a sunny window and sit in it for as long as possible each day. • Manage your workload to reduce stress • Find a creative outlet: Keep a Journal – describe your experiences Learn a new skill (cooking, baking, knitting, painting, pottery, yoga) IDEAS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT • Find a balance between work and play • Stay physically active, preferably out of doors • Keep a journal and write letters. Talk and write about how you feel.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 13:12:56 +0000
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