Doctor’s Orders: Winter Safety Tips
The winter season is a time filled with celebrations and our favorite outdoor activities that make New Hampshire a fun place to live. But with all the excitement, let’s remember to keep it safe this winter so that we can enjoy these snowy months to their fullest. Dr. Peter Cook at CMC’s Highlander Way Internal Medicine offers his top five winter safety tips:
1. Take it slow. When walking on ground that is slippery from ice or snow, take short, shuffling steps and wear shoes with good traction. Keep your hands free to help you balance and prevent falls.
2. Check carbon monoxide detectors. There is an increased risk of carbon monoxide exposure with gas/oil powered devices such as generators, certain space heaters, etc. Make sure there is adequate ventilation and all carbon monoxide detectors are working.
3. Get moving. In the winter months there is a slight risk of weight gain from lack of exercise and overeating around the holidays. Stick with your gym routine, bundle up to get in a walk outside, and eat a well balanced diet.
4. Sunny supplementation. Consider taking a Vitamin D supplement to counter the lack of sun exposure in winter months. When you can, take a break and breathe in the fresh winter air outside.
5. Treat SAD. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in
seasons. Consider the use of a special light box. Light therapy mimics natural outdoor light and appears to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood.