Cold Weather Tips

Source: Linda Slota, Director
Webster Senior Center News

• When outdoors, remember to dress warmly.
• Wear loose fitting, layered, lightweight cloting. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.
• Always wear a hat to protect against heat loss since about 30% of body heat loss is through the head.
  To avoid slips and falls, weqr boots that are non-skid.
• If you use a cane, replace the rubber tip before it is worn smooth or it will become slippery especilly when it gets wet.
• Keep your thermostat set to at least 65 degrees to prevent hypothermia.
• When the temperature remains at 65, even if you are not at home, you can help to prevent freezing pipes by maintaining a high enough temperature within your walls.
• Outdoor winter tasks such a shoveling snow take more energy than most people think, especially because cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up the body. Also take frequent breaks.

Don't Forget Your Pets!!

• Try to keep dogs and cats indoors during the winter, especialy when it is really cold.
• Make sure all of your pets wear collars with your current contact information on indenification tags.
• If you walk your dog on sidewalks that have bee treated with De-icer, make sure to wash the dog's paws when you get home; chemicals can irritate the skin.
• Most outdoor pets need to be brought inside when the weather turns really cold. The ones that can stay outdoors should be given shelter that is warm and dry, plus additional food for extra energy.
• Make sure all animals hae access to clean, fresh water that is not frozen.
• Brush their coats freuently to prevent moisture from collecting.