Regardless if you rely on a persimmon, the farmer’s almanac,
wooly worms or the meteorologist there is one thing that is certain. This
winter will be cold. Mother Nature has
snow, ice, sleet and freezing temperatures in store for the Midwest again this
winter. Whether you are a summer
sweetheart or winter worshiper there are steps to take to prevent seasonal
injuries.
Winter brings activities that you cannot access any other
time of year. Whether building snowmen
or sledding, winter can be a magical time of year. We have created a list of things to watch out
for when the temperatures drop.
Hypothermia
is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Before going out into the piercing wintery
air don’t forget the acronym COLD.
Cover – Don’t forget to bundle up
before heading outside!
Avoid overheating – Sweat and cold
air can be a bad mixture and cause you to lose body heat more quickly.
Loose layers – Loose layers allow
you to shed outer layers if you become hot and hold in body heat better. Outer layers should be water resistant so
avoid cotton if possible.
Dry clothing – If your clothing
does get wet be sure to change as fast as possible. Mittens and boots are perfect places for snow
to hide so be sure to keep your hands and feet dry as well.
Other safety precautions to help avoid Hypothermia include
making sure you go indoors frequently to warm up. If you must travel in inclement weather be
sure to let someone know where you are going and pack blankets and warm
clothing in the vehicle in case of car trouble.
Frostbite
occurs when body tissue literally freezes!
Your ears, nose, cheeks, fingers and toes are most likely to get
frostbite. Anyone can get frostbite if
exposed to the cold for long periods of time or from extremely cold
temperatures for a short period of time.
Frostbite and Hypothermia are known to occur together. Follow the same prevention measures for
frostbite as hypothermia. If you suspect
you or someone you know may have frostbite, do not use direct heat on the
affected areas. Obtain medical attention
immediately.
Slips and falls
are the number one cause of accidental injury, according to OSHA, especially in
winter weather. Use handrails when
walking up and down stairs or ramps.
Resist the temptation to walk with your hands in your pockets; if you
feel unbalanced your upper extremities could help you regain balance. Carefully exit vehicles; you never know what
the footing is like until you get out of your car.
Ice Skating is
a popular winter pastime for all ages.
Year after year ice rinks open their doors to hundreds of people at a
time. Even with rink guards on duty,
falls and injuries are still common.
Injury prevention can be very easy with a few simple precautions.
When trying on your skates make
sure that they fit properly. Poorly
fitting skates can cause blisters and sores as well as an unbalanced base for
skating.
Always look ahead at where you are
skating and skate in the same direction as traffic.
Young children and beginners should
always wear a helmet to avoid concussion or traumatic brain injury.
If you are skating on a frozen pond
do not go on the ice without testing it first.
The ice must be at least 6 inches thick all of the way through to be
safe to skate on according to the Department of Natural Resources.
Never skate alone or at night.
In the case of an emergency a cell
phone should be near by to call for help.
Sledding has
been a winter tradition for many years. As
the white powdery snow coats the hills and valleys the sled that has been stored
away begins to call. Sledding can be fun
but it can also be dangerous and can cause injuries.
Before heading outside this winter
make sure that you choose a safe hill in advance.
Make sure the hill is not too steep
and is covered in snow and not ice.
The hill should also be clear of
hazards such as trees, ponds, rocks or fences.
Do not sled on a hill that ends on
a street or parking lot.
Never sled while being pulled
behind a vehicle, ATV or tractor.
