As winter draws near, many people will be headed out into the snow for some fun winter activities, while others will simply be enduring the cold outdoor weather as a normal part of their daily routine for work. Whatever your reasons are for spending more time in the cold, you’ll need to take some precautions to prevent frostbite.
Here are three tips to help you stay safe and healthy this winter.
Don’t Stay Outside for Long Periods
One of the most important factors that increase your risk of getting frostbite is the amount of time that you spend outside in the extreme cold weather. Everyone is a little different, so there is no one-size-fits-all rule, but you need to limit the amount of time that you spend in the cold. If you’re working at an outdoor job, be sure to take breaks frequently to go inside and warm up a bit, whether inside a building or just inside your vehicle.
It’s also a good idea to always have a buddy along, just to make sure that someone can check on you occasionally. Extreme cold can affect blood flow to your brain, dulling your senses and judgement, so don’t try to prove anything. Be safe and limit your exposure.
Wear Layers of Appropriate Clothing
The best way to prevent frostbite is to wear the right clothes. Wear multiple layers of clothing, especially if you’ll be out in the cold for long periods of time. The temperature rises throughout the day and then drops suddenly at sunset, so be sure to have extra layers available if staying out into the evening.
You should also make sure to have a thermal layer snug against your skin, preferably one that can wick moisture away from your skin. The outer layer needs to be waterproof and windproof. Wet clothing will need to be removed as soon as possible, since the moisture drastically increases the likelihood of developing frostbite.
Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Last of all, be very careful to avoid alcohol consumption. This is important for two reasons. First, alcohol affects your blood circulation and makes you feel warmer than you really are. Second, alcohol dulls your judgement, making you more likely to take risks and less able to accurately judge your body’s reaction to the cold.
This winter, enjoy spending time with family and friends out there in the snow, and try to make the most of your winter activities. But always take the weather seriously. Frostbite can do irreversible damage to your body. So follow these three tips to prevent frostbite and have a great winter!
Featured Image from Luke Porter/Unsplash
