FEATURE SUPPLEMENT
GET READY FOR
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 Wairarapa Midweek
GETTING READY FOR WINTER Winter is the season when we reach for warmer clothes and search for ways to heat our bodies and the rooms in which we live and work. It’s also the season when some of us play sports that seem designed to leave us with aches and pains, and when conditions like arthritis are exacerbated by the cold.
G
etting ready for winter is always a good idea. We’ve pulled together pros and cons of different heating options and tips about keeping warm inside and outside the house. There’s some practical advice about keeping out the pests that try to invade our homes every autumn. We’ve even got some ideas about healthy eating during winter – get prepared with new recipes and maybe even a slow cooker. If you want to help children this winter who are in need of warm clothing, or if you know of children who might benefit from a helping hand, we’ve listed some community groups you could contact.
HEADING OUT IN THE COLD Being very cold can make you sick. Older adults can lose body heat fast - faster than when they were young.
health problems or worse.
Changes in your body that come with ageing can make it harder for you to be aware of getting cold.
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Put on a hat and scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered.
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Wear warm socks and shoes or boots that keep out the cold and wet.
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Wear a waterproof coat or jacket.
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Change your clothes right away if they get damp or wet.
Tips for being outside in the cold are:
Being outside in the cold can lead to hypothermia. Hypothermia is what happens when your body temperature gets very low. For an older person, a body temperature of 35°C or lower can cause many
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Dress for the weather if you must go out on chilly, cold, or damp days. Camping and tramping stores sell light-weight merino clothing intended to keep people as warm as possible. Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm.
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