Canada can be a marvelous place to spend your winter!

It offers its residents and visitors beautiful scenery, family-friendly festivals and events, opportunities for sports and leisure activities, and so much more – even throughout the winter. However, if you aren’t well prepared, a cold climate can be hazardous to your health.

Here are 9 tips to keep you safe and healthy during winter:

• Check the weather. Make sure to look at the weather forecast before heading out during the winter. Be on the lookout for any mention of snow squalls, snow storms, and freezing rain. Watch out for extreme cold weather warnings as well.
• Plan ahead. Tell someone about where you are planning to travel and be sure to let them know once you’ve arrived. This action will alert them to look for you (and know where to look for you) if they haven’t gotten any news. Additionally, monitor weather and road conditions for any travel advisories and keep a winter storm survival kit handy just in case (clothing, blankets, snacks, first aid supplies, etc.).
• Dress warmly. Dress yourself and your children in warm, dry layers to better adjust to changing weather conditions. Always remember to wear a hat and gloves as a large portion of our body’s extremities lose heat the fastest. Cover any exposed skin to protect from frostbite.
• Be aware. Learn to recognize the signs of frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia. Knowing what to do under these circumstances can help prevent serious and even life-threatening injuries.
• Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. The elderly and young children are particularly susceptible to the cold. Make informed decisions based on accurate wind chill information and reschedule outings if necessary (risk of frostbite increases rapidly when wind chill values go below -27ºC).
• Get moving. While outside, stay active (walk or run) to help generate body heat and stay warm. If you are out with a stroller or a sleigh, keep in mind that your baby will feel the cold much more than you as they are not exercising.
• Avoid strenuous activities. Overexerting yourself in the cold by shoveling snow or pushing a car can actually put a strain on your heart. Know your limits and make sure to respect them.
• Eat high-energy foods. Food helps warm up our core temperature which, in turn, helps us stay active. Warm beverages and soups are ideal to combat the cold temperatures of winter. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided as they will increase your susceptibility to cold.
• Be prepared for winter ailments. Winter is usually synonymous with getting sick! Keep your medicine cabinet well-stocked with homeopathic medicines like Coryzalia for cold symptoms*, Stodal for cough* and Oscillococccinum for flu-like symptoms.

 

You are now ready to go out and explore what Canada has to offer this winter!

Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments below.

*These claims are based on traditional homeopathic reference and not modern scientific evidence.

These homeopathic medicines may not be right for everyone. Always read and follow the label.

 

Sources:

http://www.wrha.mb.ca/healthinfo/a-z/winter.php

http://ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=5FBF816A-1