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Some of us look forward to things cooling off, and some of us are sad about the end of warm temperatures, but regardless of how we feel about it, cold weather is coming. What plans and preparations can we make now so we can create better health and more enjoyment in the chilly months ahead? Whether you’re new to this neck of the woods, or have shoveled mountains of snow, it’s time to start the Cold Weather Countdown!
10. The right clothes.
What’s more miserable than being cold? Being cold and damp. Getting set with the right kind of clothes can go a long way in keeping you safe and comfortable. Remember the old adage: There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices! For tips, check out How to Dress for Winter Weather.
9. Get the gear!
Now that you’re dressed, it’s time to get outside. Everyone needs ice cleats for their boots. They make a big difference in balance and stability. How about a thermos? Hand/foot warmers? Boot trays and a dryer?
8. Explore winter sports.
Try before you buy. Renting can be a good way to explore all your options, then you can invest in the ones you really enjoy. There’s so much to do during a North Woods winter: snowshoeing, skiing, ice fishing, skating…Pick something new and give it a go!
7. Get your car and home ready too.
Safety and comfort are important beyond our clothing choices. Check out Winter Car Care Tips: Keep Your Vehicle in Peak Condition During Frigid Weather and 15 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter.
6. Top off your tank.
Winter nutrition isn’t really different from that of summer. Plenty of veggies and fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and a little fat will get you where you want to go. Check out “Nutrition for Winter
Activities: A Beginner’s Guide” for more information. Remember to hydrate! It’s important, regardless hot (or not) the weather is.
5. Companionship
Summertime made getting together with friends and family easier. As we move into our second COVID winter, we may need to dust off the connection skills that we developed last year. If we get creative, cold weather + COVID doesn’t have to equal isolation.
4. Entertain your brain.
Here’s a good rule of thumb: If your days are desk-bound, balance that by unwinding with some physical activity. If your days are very physically active, recover with more restful activities in the evening. Movie marathons can be great, but maybe not every evening. What are some different ways to relax? When is the last time you checked out our amazing public library? Played a board game? Tried a video game? Explored a new craft?
3. Look for the light.
Make sure you’re taking advantage of every bit of daylight: morning tea by a window, lunch-time walks, mid-afternoon sunshine breaks. Light therapy boxes can be helpful too. Even with those measures, the short days of winter can be difficult for some people. Stay alert for the signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
2. Get your flu shot.
The flu is serious business. It can lead to pneumonia, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), sepsis (a life-threatening response to an infection), and even death. On top of that, we need to keep our healthcare system available for people with COVID. Speaking of which…
1. Get your COVID vaccine!
They’re safe and highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Register at www.cookcountycovid19.org/
Visit the Topic of the Month page at www.sawtoothmountainclinic.org to read the rest of October’s issue. There you’ll find all the links to the articles used in this newsletter and…10 steps that will help you plan and prep now, so that you can be healthier and happier all winter long, information on winter and Vitamin D, as well as information about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – what it feels like and how to prevent and treat it.
While you’re at the website, why not subscribe to the “Topic of the Month” newsletter? That way you’ll never miss an issue.
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