Winter doesn’t come as a surprise but if you take the steps now, you can stay healthy when temperatures start to fall.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Emergencies
Many people prefer to remain indoors during winter and heating systems can cause problems. You want to prevent a carbon monoxide emergency by having a CO detector installed to alert you to the presence of this odorless, colorless, and deadly gas.
Check the batteries when you change your clocks. Also learn the symptoms of CO poisoning, which include headaches, weakness, upset stomach, chest pain, confusion, and dizziness.
Take Precautions Outdoors
Wear the right outdoor clothing, preferably a wind-resistant jacket or coat with layers of light warm clothing, along with mittens, scarves, hats, and boots. Work slowly when doing chores outside. Carry an emergency kit when participating in outdoor recreation.
Keep an Emergency Kit for Your Car
You should avoid traveling if the weather service has issued advisories but if you become stranded in your car, there are things you can do to protect your health. Keep your body warm. Wrap your body, including the head, in extra clothing, newspapers or blankets.
Stay moving and awake. You will be less susceptible to cold-related health problems if you continue to move your legs and arms to improve your circulation, which can help you stay warm for longer.
Run the motor for 10 minutes every hour and open the windows slightly. Make sure there isn’t snow blocking the exhaust to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stock Up at the Pharmacy
Vitamin supplements can help you battle cold and flu symptoms. Vitamin D can help with the lack of light that happens during the winter. Stock up at the pharmacy with cold and flu meds so if you are hit with the cold and flu, you don’t have the risk of infecting others while you are out.
