If you live in Ohio then you must be familiar with the winter season and all of its hazards. The lake effect snow, ice, freezing temps, and days off from work are something you most likely experienced. The winter season can be a dangerous one for everyone going outside, hitting the roads, or left unprepared. Falls, hypothermia, and conditions that make it harder to stay warm are a few other hazards of the wintery months in Northeastern Ohio.
Here is a list from the NIH or National Institute on Aging on conditions that makes it difficult to remain warm.
- Diabetes can prevent blood from flowing normally to provide warmth.
- Thyroid problems can affect the body’s ability to maintain a normal body temperature.
- Parkinson’s disease and arthritis can make it challenging to put on more clothes, use a blanket, or get out of the cold.
- Memory problems can cause a person to forget to take precautions for staying weather-safe, such as wearing appropriate attire.
(Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults, 2024)
Hypothermia is defined as a body core temperature below 35.0 degrees Celsius in people. The symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, loss of consciousness, weak pulse, and cold skin. If your feel any on these symptoms seek help immediately. Frostbite is injury to the skin caused by exposure to freezing temperatures. Seniors have an increase chance in getting frostbite due to poor circulation. Frostbite can lead to loss of feeling in affected area. Frostbite can also lead to a change in color of the skin. (Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults, 2024)
To prevent unsafe exposure and the possibility of falls remain indoors. Check the tv, internet, newspaper, and family for resources on the weather to help make your decision whether to go out or not. If you do have to go out ensure you have the proper clothing including hats, gloves, coats, boots, and scarf. Cover your body head to toe. Change out of damp or wet clothes as soon as you can and wear a waterproof coat. You can also prepare by having your phone charged in case of an emergency. Buying extra blankets, warming products, and heaters are always a precaution. House fires are also something to think about and prepare for. Always be safe with your fire places and heaters. (Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults, 2024)
Citation:
Cold weather safety for older adults. (2024, January 3). National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/cold-weather-safety-older-adults. Accessed Sept. 2024.