Prevent falls and hypothermia
Winter is cosy, cozy and produces beautiful white pictures. Beautiful, but you can also suffer from slips and a lot of cold. With these smart tips you can help yourself or someone close to you through the winter.
Blood flow
Arteriosclerosis can make the blood circulation worse. When it is cold, you can suffer from cold hands and feet due to poor circulation. That’s why it’s important to keep moving. Inside or – weather permitting – outside. Being active outside for 15 minutes to half an hour is good for muscles, bones and organs. If you have trouble walking, move your arms and legs occasionally.
Vitamin D
Fortunately, there are beautiful, crystal clear days in winter. When you go outside, your body gets the chance to make vitamin D. This makes your body under the influence of sunlight and is necessary for strong bones and teeth. If the weather is too bad, spread low-fat margarine on your bread. This contains vitamin D. You can also maintain the amount of vitamin D with vitamin pills.
layers
Please dress warmly enough. Wear several layers, so long underwear or tights under your pants. It is also warmer to wear a shirt, T-shirt and a sweater than just an extra thick sweater. A tenth of our body heat also disappears through our heads. So if you are still cold, wear a cap or hat, including indoors and in bed if you must.
The advantage of blankets on the bed is that you can put a lot of them on top of each other. But these are quite heavy. A duvet is a lot lighter and still gives the same warmth. Cold weather may also consider purchasing an electric blanket. A pitcher can also help.
Moisture
Drinking enough fluids is important not only in summer, but also in winter. So, as always, drink four to five glasses a day. The skin also needs moisture. Protect your exposed skin outdoors with a tie and gloves and apply moisturizing cream to prevent the skin from flaking and itching.
Fall
Every year, 15,000 people aged 55 and older end up in the emergency room after a fall on the street. Half of them broke something. It is therefore important to pay close attention on the street. Try to choose a route with good tiling and lighting. Many people fall because steps and sidewalks are not clearly visible. Wear shoes with a good profile so that you are less likely to slip. Make sure you stay in shape so that you are less stiff. And don’t drink too much alcohol! This weakens your reaction time and makes you lose your balance faster.
Heating
Elderly people who are not very mobile and who sit in the same chair for hours, sometimes do not realize that it is getting colder in the room. This causes their body to cool down and that can be dangerous. They become drowsy and confused and in the worst case it can even lead to a coma. If you think someone is hypothermic, call 911. Hypothermia also makes you more prone to infections.
Make sure the temperature in the house is stable all the time. 19 degrees Celsius is just about the minimum. Before going to sleep, turn on the heating in the bedroom. Also think about insulation; close the curtains early and avoid drafts from doors and windows.
