PARTNERS WORKING TOGETHER

Daily physical activity is a mainstay in keeping good control of chronic diseases and good overall health and wellness. In the northern hemisphere as the weather gets cooler, we move indoors so it’s more challenging to keep active. Here are some tips on how to stay active during the cold winter months. 

1. Have a plan and check the weather forecast. Have an alternative indoor winter activity you enjoy. You can find an indoor track at a local gym or walk the hallways of a local mall or take a break and walk up and down an indoor flight of stairs ². 
2. Check out a free YouTube video or an app on the phone to get a fun program to keep you moving.
3. Dress for the weather ². Wear multiple layers that trap the heat in and keep you warm. You should be able to remove or add layers as you need them. Don’t forget about your hands and head. Warm wool socks are a great way to keep your feet warm. 
4. Watch for treacherous areas. During the fall months, leaves on the ground can be wet and slippery. Look out for icy or snow-covered patches during the winter months. These can increase the risk of falls and injury. Wearing proper footwear can help prevent falls and injuries ².
5. As the sun sets earlier, wear clothing that is reflective or easily spotted if you are on a road. 
6. Try a winter sport – maybe sledding with the family or skiing or an old-fashioned snowball fight. Whatever keeps you active ². 
7. Watch out for signs of hypothermia. What are they? Slow gradual worsening of shivering, slurred speech, slow shallow breathing, weak pulse. In the late-stage you would experience clumsiness/drowsiness/confusion and loss of consciousness. ¹
8. Stay hydrated. You may not feel like drinking, but take some sips of water anyway

The lesson is to stay active even when it’s cold outside by doing something you’ll enjoy. Make sure you are safe, hydrated and your body temperature is regulated. Cold weather should not keep you on the couch. 

References

1. Mayo Clinic (2004). Hypothermia, Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352682
2. NIH (2024). 5 Tips for Exercising Safely in Cold Weather. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/5-tips-exercising-safely-cold-weather