|
 |
 |
 | Winter Preparation
By Michael Spilane, MD
Once the holidays are past, winter tightens its grip. Even Norwegian bachelors struggle with the darkness, wind and cold. And older Norwegian bachelors struggle more. This is my regularly published survival guide for those brave soles who are not headed south for the winter.
Have you had your flu shot? It's not too late, even until mid January. The shot may not prevent the flu, but it will make the illness less serious should it strike. Medicare does cover a flu shot. Don't play roulette with your health--give it a try.
Do you drive? Put the winter survival kit in the trunk--boots, mittens, heavy coat, blanket, flashlight, and a box of fancy chocolates (best to go happy). An even better idea is to stay put when the wind chill is plunging.
Protect your skin. Dry air treats human skin the same way it treats everything else--it sucks out the water. Rugs become electrified, plants require more water, doors warp, and the skin scales and itches. The skin of older folks is likely to suffer more, since it has lost much of its ability to produce natural lubrication. If you experience the all-over-itch this winter, the most likely cause is dry skin.
- Get out the humidifier. Not the pan on the stove, but a real humidifier. Keep it clean and keep it filled. The humidified air will also help the sinuses, throat, and respiratory passages.
- Take baths rather than showers. Showers can actually promote dryness and irritation of the skin. Use a tablespoon of oil in the bath water and be stingy with the soap. Soap removes oil from the skin, inviting further drying and inflammation. Soaking in a tub for 10 minutes without soaping will leave you clean. If you must shower, keep it brief.
- Apply a good moisturizing lotion (for example, Wondra, Lubriderm or Keri) once or twice a day. Avoid cheap, smelly concoctions, and be generous with the application.
- 1-% hydrocortisone cream, available without a physician's prescription, should be applied if dryness has produced patches of flaky and reddened skin.
Avoid a fall. An older person too often loses a battle with ice or wind. Prevention is the only cure. Start by putting the high heel shoes in storage--firm footing is essential. Tennis shoes or rubber boots are far safer than leather-bottomed shoes. And a cane might complete the outfit. An outdoor excursion in winter is not the time to emphasize fashion or to demonstrate pride. Wind is almost as risky as ice--either element will get you if you are not constantly expectant. Wind blown doors can be real enemies--it is best to presume that doors will fly. If there are stairs, look for the rail. If there is no rail, do not venture.
Stay warm indoors. Your son may brag that he keeps the thermostat at 60 degrees all winter, but remember that an older person has more difficulty conserving body heat. Hypothermia can occur with prolonged exposure to temperatures as high as 65 degrees. Symptoms include sleepiness, fatigue, incoordination and confusion. Shivering is often absent. So resist the temptation to save on the heating bill, and wear warm clothes indoors.
Winter can be a lonely time. Many older persons, particularly those who are single, find themselves trapped and isolated indoors during winter months. Depression is a common consequence. It is not just the isolation. Scientific studies have demonstrated that decreased exposure to sunlight contributes significantly to seasonal mood changes. Now is the right time to develop strategies to avoid the winter blues. Find a new hobby, plan some indoor projects, make a list of old friends to call, encourage family members to visit more often. And if its a nice day, be sure to get out. Do not wait until you are lonely and sad--at that point you wont have the emotional energy to reverse the problem.
All of us are better people after surviving a Minnesota winter. Survival is the trick. Plan for a healthy and happy winter.
 Back to top
| |
