Well-Being in Winter
By Helen Johnson
As I write this, the sun is shining and the eaves are dripping yet it is obvious these are false illusions of warmth. It is January in Michigan and that means months more of cold weather, snow and ice. As a healthcare worker, these are environmental factors that I associate with multiple health conditions such as hypothermia, severe falls and heart attacks. The human body is an amazing creation which will adapt and adapt by any means necessary to prolong life. One fascinating adaptation you may not be aware of is how the circulatory system redirects blood from outlying areas such as fingers and toes to keep your internal organs warm. This shunting of blood and warmth internally can also be precursors to hypothermia and heart attacks. While these adaptations are meant to help us in a short-term way, being outdoors for prolonged periods can be dangerous on a day when you’re able to see every breath leave your body. So, what do you to when you have to clear the driveway or are lured outside for an afternoon of sledding and making snowmen? Well. Like any good Boy Scout or Girl Scout – be prepared! Don’t overdo it. Your heart is already working harder to adjust to the colder temperature. Pace yourself, take intermittent breaks where you can go back indoors to quickly warm up and watch your heart rate. With most exercise you should still be able to carry on a conversation with someone, otherwise you may be getting too breathless and strained. It is best to keep your body temperature steady. We must be especially vigilant if there is wind as the wind chill will steal away heat more quickly. Another insidious danger is sweating which can lead to abrupt, and potentially dangerous, drops in blood pressure. It helps to wear layers of clothing which will trap in heat and can be removed if you would get too warm. Additionally, any exposed skin is more vulnerable to hypothermia so hats, gloves, scarves and even face masks can be crucial. When the weather gives us freezing rain or re-freezing of melted snow, the ice can be especially dangerous. Having lived for a decade in the Upper Peninsula, I endured in wintery conditions often from October to May. That said, nothing is worse than ice. It takes just one moment of imbalance or losing your concentration as you careen across a parking lot and you can go down hard. Try employing simple methods like slowing down, taking shorter, shuffle-like steps and keeping your arms at yours sides (instead of in your pockets). People often refer to this as “walking like a penguin,” which you might – however you at least will look cute while you are doing it! I love the outdoors and especially love all of the seasons we are fortunate to enjoy in Michigan. As some of my friends have told me, “it is never a bad time to be outdoors if you have the right gear.” I would also consider a bit of weather-savviness a necessary tool. So enjoy the fresh air. Be safe out there. And if you find yourself in need of care, our team at Sparrow Eaton are here for you. Eaton Proud. Sparrow Strong. Mitten Made.Helen Johnson, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, FACHESparrow Eaton Hospital President
