Hypothermia develops when the body temperature falls below 35 degrees Centigrade (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Hypothermia can happen to an older person in a poorly heated house and may take a few hours to several days to develop. You can avoid hypothermia by ensuring your home (or the home of your elderly loved ones) is well heated during the colder months. (Keep the thermostat set to 18 degrees Centigrade/65 degrees Fahrenheit, or higher.)

Dress for winter by covering as much exposed skin as possible. It is better to wear several layers of lightweight clothing than one or two heavier layers as these impede movement and do not trap as much insulating air as layered clothes. Long underwear is a great way to layer for warmth. A hat is vitally important since one-third to one-half of the body’s heat escapes from an uncovered head. On very cold days cover your nose and mouth with a scarf. Mittens will keep your hands warmer than gloves, as fingers generate warmth when they touch each other.

Avoid Slips and Falls

A serious fall could put you in the hospital for weeks or months. If you need to pick something up, and the conditions are icy, ask a family member, neighbour or friend to run the errand for you. If you have to go out, wear boots or supportive shoes that have non-skid soles, to prevent slips and falls. You may wish to invest in ice grippers for your footwear. (Before buying these, make sure you can easily put them on and take them off, and remember to remove them when walking on smooth surfaces such as tile.) If you use a cane, replace the rubber tip before it is worn smooth or the wet may make it slippery. You may consider purchasing an ice pick/grip that fits onto the end of the cane. The pointed tip will give you extra grip on wintery days. A variety of AMG Medical canes are available from London Drugs, including quad canes for additional support, folding canes, and those with push-button adjustments.

Keep Walkways Clear

Keep walkways around your home clear of snow and ice. Apply rock salt or sand to create traction on wet or icy patches. After a snowfall, consider asking a younger family member, a neighbour, or a student to do the shovelling for you.

If you want to clear your own walkways, be sure to do a few stretching exercises beforehand, to warm up your body. Take plenty of breaks as people tend to tire more easily in the cold weather. Remember that physical exhaustion makes you more susceptible to frostbite, injuries, and hypothermia.

A sturdy, lightweight shovel works best to push the snow out of the way. If you must lift the snow, take small scoops to avoid muscle strain. Avoid twisting and turning motions, which can cause back sprains. The best time to clear the snow is before meals or one to two hours after eating. If you feel pain or heaviness in your chest, or become dizzy or faint, stop shovelling immediately and get medical attention.

Remain Visible

Make sure that you wear light or bright colours so that others can easily see you. You might also consider attaching reflective material to your clothing. Remember that visibility is reduced in snowy weather.

Be Prepared

Make sure you have a flashlight and batteries, and candles to use in the event of a power failure. (Be sure to use only votive candles, set into glass containers.) Battery lights attached to hallways and stairwells are a wise investment. Also make sure that you have enough prescription medications available to tide you through a spell of bad weather.

Stay Hydrated

You may be surprised to learn that you need just as much fluid intake in winter as in summer. Be sure to drink between six and eight glasses of liquid a day, to avoid dehydration. It is best not to drink too much tea or coffee as these drinks contain caffeine, which exerts a diuretic effect.

Keep Yourself Stoked

In cold weather, you will burn more calories just to stay warm. Make sure you add a nutritious snack or two to your daily food intake when the weather is cold.