The cold weather is here…..
Some illnesses are more common when the weather turns colder. Respiratory ailments, especially viruses like the flu, are prevalent because people stay indoors more and are therefore exposed to more airborne germs. One way to stay healthy while cooped up inside is to make sure your family washes their hands. It’s especially important to wash after sharing toys, coughing, and blowing your nose to help prevent the spread of viruses.
If you are going outside in the cold, stay safe and warm. The idea of a sunburn in January may seem strange, but the sun is closest to the earth during the winter months. Snow can also reflect the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so protect your kids face with sunscreen and sunglasses.
Kids should dress warmly in layers of clothes. Waterproof pants and jackets are great top layers because they don’t let the wetness seep into the other clothing. A pair of thin gloves with waterproof mittens over them are recommended. Wearing a pair of thin socks with a thicker one over them can help to keep your feet warm. Boots that are too tight constrict blood flow and will cause the feet to get colder. Your head is a major source of heat loss. A hat that covers the ears is a must in cold weather.
If your kids decide to go sledding, make sure the location is safe from trees, large rocks and traffic. Sledding injuries can be very serious, resulting in broken bones and trauma to the abdomen, head and neck.
Kids are at greater risk for frostnip and frostbite than adults. The best way to prevent this is to make sure they’re dressed warmly and don’t spend too much time in extreme weather. Frostnip is an early warning sign of the onset of frostbite. It leaves the skin red, numb or tingly. Immerse the chilled body part in warm(not hot) water until sensation can be felt again. You can also use body heat. For example, warm fingertips by putting them under your armpits.
Frostbite occurs mostly on fingers, toes, ears, noses, and cheeks. The area becomes very cold and turns white or yellowish gray. If you notice frostbite, take your child immediately to the nearest hospital or ER.
Some illnesses are more common when the weather turns colder. Respiratory ailments, especially viruses like the flu, are prevalent because people stay indoors more and are therefore exposed to more airborne germs. One way to stay healthy while cooped up inside is to make sure your family washes their hands. It’s especially important to wash after sharing toys, coughing, and blowing your nose to help prevent the spread of viruses.
If you are going outside in the cold, stay safe and warm. The idea of a sunburn in January may seem strange, but the sun is closest to the earth during the winter months. Snow can also reflect the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so protect your kids face with sunscreen and sunglasses.
Kids should dress warmly in layers of clothes. Waterproof pants and jackets are great top layers because they don’t let the wetness seep into the other clothing. A pair of thin gloves with waterproof mittens over them are recommended. Wearing a pair of thin socks with a thicker one over them can help to keep your feet warm. Boots that are too tight constrict blood flow and will cause the feet to get colder. Your head is a major source of heat loss. A hat that covers the ears is a must in cold weather.
If your kids decide to go sledding, make sure the location is safe from trees, large rocks and traffic. Sledding injuries can be very serious, resulting in broken bones and trauma to the abdomen, head and neck.
Kids are at greater risk for frostnip and frostbite than adults. The best way to prevent this is to make sure they’re dressed warmly and don’t spend too much time in extreme weather. Frostnip is an early warning sign of the onset of frostbite. It leaves the skin red, numb or tingly. Immerse the chilled body part in warm(not hot) water until sensation can be felt again. You can also use body heat. For example, warm fingertips by putting them under your armpits.
Frostbite occurs mostly on fingers, toes, ears, noses, and cheeks. The area becomes very cold and turns white or yellowish gray. If you notice frostbite, take your child immediately to the nearest hospital or ER.