Cold weather is a natural part of winter in Virginia Beach, VA, but it can wreak havoc on your body and health if you don’t take extra precautions to keep yourself comfortable and warm, throughout the season. As our bodies age, they tend to lose heat faster, making harder for our bodies to stay warm and prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
It’s important to know how to stay safe and warm throughout the winter season, to prevent illness or injuries. Taking simple steps to keep your body warm inside and outside, along with consulting your doctor to discuss cold weather impacts on medical conditions can go a long way to keeping you comfortable.
You’ll want to be able to get outside whenever you can, and that means knowing how to bundle up properly. And if you know that you tend to be sensitive to cold, it’s probably a good idea to keep your thermostat indoors at 68-70 degrees.
Here are cold weather safety tips to help you make the most of this cozy season in Coastal Virginia.
Stay Warm Enough Inside
It’s important to think of cold weather safety as an inside and outside job. Even when indoors, your body temperature can drop if you don’t keep your thermostat set properly and maintain warmth. Aim to keep your thermostat at 68-70 degrees in cold weather months, to stay warm. While indoors, keep yourself dressed in warm clothes and socks, make sure to be especially mindful of your feet and hand warmth.
Bundle Up Outdoors
When you do venture out for walks, fresh air or to go shopping, dress for cold weather by wearing long layers. You’ll also want to wear a hat and gloves, warm socks and shoes or boots that keep out the cold. A warm coat is essential in winter, so make sure that yours truly keeps you covered, especially on windy, cold days when the chill can be severe.
Talk to Your Doctor
Different medications and medical conditions can affect your body’s ability to maintain warmth. It’s important to talk to your doctor to make sure that you aren’t at higher risk of cold weather injuries. Those with thyroid issues, diabetes or parkinson’s can be most affected by severe changes in temperature.
Avoid Extremes
When the weather is severe and temperatures drop below freezing, avoid spending time outside as much as you can. On extremely cold days, take your exercise routine to the fitness center. If you have to walk a dog, keep the walks short, and make sure to bundle your pup, as well.
Snow & Ice Preparation
When snow and ice occur, it’s important to take extra precautions before heading outdoors. First, you’ll want to check to make sure that all walkways have been shoveled and salted before venturing out. Even if they have been cleared, you’ll want to wear boots or other non-slip footwear to help you walk safely and comfortably. Finally, avoid driving after snow or ice has settled on nearby roads.