The winter season is approaching fast. One moment, it was November 1st, and now we’re heading into December. As we approached the cold season, JRF clients and keeping warm were on my mind. Here is a list of things to consider when going outdoors in snow or low temperatures during the winter season:
Keeping the core warm (internal body organs, such as the heart, lungs, and brains) is important to consider in Illinois temperatures. Layering up with thin material or keeping a few shirts on under a jacket can make a difference when you are outside. NBC4 Washington recommends long underwear instead of leggings. Specifically because long underwear is meant to dry quickly, any slush or snow won’t leave the legs damp. Some clothes closets near the Aurora area are: Shepherd’s clothes closet in St John United Church of Christ, Batavia Interfaith Clothes, Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, the Judah Robinson Foundation.
Eating warmly
Eating healthy is important year round, especially in the winter to fight off colds and flu, but it can also be beneficial for one’s warmth. Eating healthy fats can encourage metabolism, which heats the body. Healthy fat foods include eggs, avocados, salmon, olives, full-fat yogurt, almonds and walnuts. Warm foods are also beneficial, such as soups, spicy food, hot coffee, and teas to try to combat the chill. It’s important to acknowledge that healthy eating is nearly impossible for individuals who are unsheltered or housing insecure.
Consider your shoe-wear and socks
Hypothermia is likely to begin in hands and feet, so it’s important to consider these areas this winter. If possible, wear study, insulated shoes to keep your feet dry and avoid slips and falls on icy streets. Doubling up on socks or gloves is also important. Even two thin pairs of socks or gloves are better than going without.
Avoiding falls
I’m fairly certain almost all of us have experience slipping on ice. A way to avoid slipping or falling depends on the shoe, but also how you walk. I was taught that when walking on ice, walk like a penguin: small steps and slow movements. The walk takes longer, but it would take more of your time if you slipped and fell. It could be dangerous, too.
Hypothermia
It’s important to know the signs of hypothermia as it may vary from adult to babies. The CDC states that adults often experience shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness while babies may experience bright red, cold skin and very low energy. The victims of hypothermia are often babies sleeping in cold bedrooms, people who remain outdoors for long periods (hikers, hunters, people experiencing homelessness), people who drink alcohol or use substances, and older adults with insufficient food, clothing, and/or heating. Warm drinks, warm shelter, removing wet clothing, and warming the center of the body with an electric blanket are all things people can do to aid someone.
Warming Centers
Nearby warming centers are:
- Aurora Public Library, East & West Branch (Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm, Friday & Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm)
- Aurora Senior Services Associates (Monday – Friday: 8 am – 4 pm)
- Batavia Police Department (Every day: 12pm – 4pm)
- the Judah Robinson Foundation