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Health Unit shares tips to stay healthy and safe during winter

January 27, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Physical activity keeps your body strong and healthy and the winter season offers opportunities for activities like skating and sledding to stay in shape. However, there are also risks involved when doing activities in cold weather.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is offering some tips on how to remain safe this winter when being active outdoors.

It can be tempting to stay indoors when it’s cold out, but being physically active outdoors is good for your overall health. This can be as simple as going for a walk around your neighbourhood, or as action-packed as hitting the slopes to go skiing, snowboarding, or sledding.

Exposure to extremely cold temperatures can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening health problems. Knowing the weather conditions before going outside will help you prepare and adjust your plans accordingly.

When spending time outdoors, stay alert and watch for signs of hypothermia, frostbite, and frostnip. Shorten outdoor playtime for children when temperatures are between -20°C to -25°C. Keep children indoors if the temperature drops below -27°C.

Dressing for the weather helps to preserve body heat when spending time outdoors and should include a base layer, a fleece or wool sweater mid-layer, and a wind and waterproof jacket. Top it off with a hat, gloves or mittens, and a scarf to cover exposed skin.

Remember that winter boots are not just for keeping your feet warm – a well-fitted boot with a good tread that offers stability can help prevent slips and falls on ice or in slushy and snowy conditions.

As respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19 infections continue to be transmitted in our communities, the Health Unit strongly recommends using multiple layers of protection such as staying up to date with vaccinations, staying home when sick, wearing a mask, and cleaning high-touch surfaces (although the virus rarely spreads through surfaces and is primarily spread through the air).

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