Weathering the cold: How to survive the Polar Vortex!

Protect your skin!   With temperatures at 10 degrees or below and wind chills between -10 degrees and -40 degrees, you or your child’s skin can get frostbitten in minutes.  Areas most commonly affected are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes.  Older adults with reduced blood circulation should take special precautions .

Here are some general tips for weathering the cold:

• Limit outdoor activity to 15-20 minutes at a time
• Dress properly : use layers, head covering, wind protection and keep dry
• Take care to protect against injury causing falls

Orthopedic surgeons offer the following suggestions:

• If you are crossing icy walkways or roads, shuffle your feet and bend your knees
• Warm up indoors with light exercise and stretches before shoveling snow
• Push the snow, don’t lift it if possible.  If you have to lift, do it the correct way:

-Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight.

-Lift your legs, pushing through with your heels.

-Do not bend at the waist and do not over reach

• Avoid twisting.  Push, small steps, toes in front of you, never twist!

These simple but effective tips can keep you and the people you care for safe.