Although winter comes as no surprise, many individuals are not ready for it's impact. To plan ahead helps one stay safe and healthy. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates to save lives one must prepare (winterize) home, limit outdoor activity in stormy weather, coordinate necessary transportation concerns (car, bus, train, etc.) and stay ahead of potential power outages or blackouts. Check-in on loved ones especially our golden friends are a must. If we are prepared for the hazards of winter, the likelihood to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall are on our side. The following are CDC's recommended steps for winter safety.

situations. In winter, we have ice, blizzards, nor'easters, cold temperatures and more. Slippery conditions and winter weather make it a more difficult season for the elderly. We want to make sure the safety and health of our older loved ones are well-maintained. Here is some information on common conditions or issues in winter and safety tips.

Falls - Winter weather brings increased chances of falling due to ice, snow chunks, slippery conditions. Balance issues can increase with age heightening the risk further for the elderly.

Some tips to prevent trips and falls in the winter: a) Make sure the walkways, steps etc. around your home are clear. If you are older, make sure you have someone younger who is able to help in this. b) Apply cat litter or rock salt to the walkways to provide traction and to help de-ice. c) Wear proper footwear with traction. d) If you use a cane or walker, use one with a rubber tip that provides traction.

Hypothermia - Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature drops to dangerous levels and is caused by long exposure to cold temperatures. Our chances of developing it increase with age. Signs of hypothermia include cold, pale skin, confusion, sleepiness, balance issues, slowing heart rate or breathing. 

Tips for preventing hypothermia: a) Stay indoors or only stay out for short periods of time when it is cold b) Set the heat in the house at about 65 or higher c) If you've been outside and gotten wet clothing, change quickly into dry clothes. Wet clothes help the body temperature drop faster d) Always dress warmly and cover exposed skin in cold temperatures with gloves, thermals, scarves, pants, hats, proper coats etc. 

​recipe for serious injury. The elderly are even more susceptible to such possible injuries.

Ways to prevent injury when shoveling or clearing snow: a) If you are elderly, hire someone to do it b) Work steadily, not strenuously, so your heart and your limbs function properly. Your heart works twice as hard in cold weather c) Lift with your legs, not with your back.

Winter Driving - As we age, changes in our body, like poor eyesight or delayed reflexes, can make driving more difficult. That is only compounded in winter, with threat of black ice, poor visibility and bitter cold. We need to be prepared.

Ways to be prepared for winter driving: a) Have routine maintenance done on your car to prepare for it for winter ie. oil change, winter tires etc. b) Pack an emergency kit and keep it in your in case your were to break down - extra blankets, non-perishable food (protein bars, hard candies), shovel, rock salt, flashlight and batteries, radio, map, jumper cables, first aid kit etc. c) Always remember to drive with your cell phone and keep it charged d) Avoid icy roads if possible e) Posture in defensive driving.

Stay safe this winter!!!

Sources:
​- Healthaging.org
- National Institute on Aging
​- "The Older Adult's Guide to Winter Weather", Amy Ehrlich, MD, January 3, 2018, US News

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On the beautiful summer day of August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr, looked out over the massive crowd in front of the Lincoln Memorial. He delivered the now iconic "I have a dream..." speech that moved so many, and cemented the the Civil Rights movement into the foundations of the history of the United States of America. 
With passion and conviction, he laid out a dream of unification and true freedom. He expanded on the dream of our Founding Fathers, who, while forging a remarkable dream of a new, free nation into reality, did not reach far enough.