As the temperatures drop and winter’s sometimes hazardous weather arrives, it’s important to make sure you are prepared. Our team at Premier Medical Group understands that your health comes first and are excited to support every member of the communities we serve as they seek to stay healthy and safe during the winter months ahead. The tips in this article can help you protect yourself from winter storms and other potential health risks while you thrive to remain active this winter.
Prepare Your Home
Your home needs to be a safe space throughout the year. To maintain your health and safety, ensure your home has been insulated and winterized. This means checking your windows and making sure they are properly sealed with weather stripping. Storm windows reduce draftiness, helping homes stay insulated during the winter.
We also recommend that you prioritize your health and safety during the winter by making sure your heating system is inspected by a professional at least once each year. By checking your heating system, you can rest assured that your home will be equipped to keep you comfortable. You’ll also feel more confident as you implement measures to reduce fires, especially since heating equipment such as space heaters are one of the leading causes of fires in U.S. homes*.
Check Detectors and Prevent Fires
In the winter months, risks to your health can increase with fires becoming more likely in the winter than in any other season. To help prevent fires, ensure that your smoke detectors are working efficiently or replace as needed. Also, be careful when preparing meals.
According to a study** by the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking is a leading cause of winter residential building fires. Reduce this risk by making sure cooking is not left unattended, especially during the holidays.
Another important consideration for your health during the winter relates to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that is created when fuels such as gasoline, coal, propane or wood do not burn properly. This is often depicted as a “silent killer” and it’s accountable for at least 430 deaths and about 50,000 people visiting the emergency department each year***. By verifying the carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working, you can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and secure the health and safety of yourself, your family and loved ones.
Dress Appropriately for the Winter Weather
Dressing appropriately for this winter weather is important whether you are indoors or outdoors. This means wearing layers of clothing to protect you when you are outdoors. This could include a tightly-woven coat or jacket, hats, scarves, and gloves. For indoors, be sure to dress warmly, especially if you won’t be active while indoors.
In addition, make it a habit to check the weather daily to help ensure you know the weather forecast. Keep extra gloves and weather-appropriate items in your car if you plan to travel. Unexpected detours or changes in your plans or the weather could mean you need more than you had originally planned for.
Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
Since winter storms are a natural possible outcome in the winter months, stock up on emergency supplies to help ensure you can keep safe and maintain your health.
In addition to stocking up on water and non-perishable foods, also prepare an emergency kit that includes the following items recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and lamps.
- Extra batteries.
- First-aid kit and extra medicine.
- Baby items; and
- Cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
Stay Active and Safe During the Winter Months
Staying healthy in the winter is possible when you plan what works well for you and choose the safest opportunities to be fit and engaged. For some individuals who enjoy being outdoors, the winter season is a fantastic opportunity to partake in activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, or snowboarding.
We recommend any activity that can motivate you to keep your momentum and maintain a fit and active lifestyle. Simple steps can help you get there. If outdoor activities are not your forte, also consider indoor sports or visits to the gym. Stretching and light but consistent activity indoors can also help you maintain your health during the winter months.
Your health is worth prioritizing. At Premier Medical, we look forward to supporting you in all your goals as you seek to maintain and improve your health throughout the winter. If you are concerned about your health, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
*https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Heating-equipment
** https://www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/fire-causes/winter-fires-v19i7.html
*** https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/winterweather/index.html