Stay Smart This Winter: Safeguarding Your Health Against Cold Weather Dangers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — With a layer of snow covering Tennessee, numerous individuals are enjoying sledding or crafting a snowman.

Although it might be appealing to stay outdoors the entire day, it’s essential to be mindful of how the cold can impact your health.

We consulted a pharmacist on Friday regarding tips for ensuring a safe and healthy snow day.

Jake Standefer, a pharmacist at Access Family Pharmacy, shares…

“Make every effort to keep warm and dry.”

When you’re engaging with all that snow…

“Avoid going outside in just your T-shirts today. It’s advisable to layer up. Don insulated undergarments, among other things, and utilize multiple layers. A raincoat can help you stay dry, as well as affordable gloves to protect your extremities from the cold. Remember to consume warm beverages.”

Standefer warns that prolonged exposure to the cold outdoors might result in hypothermia…

“Your extremities may become extremely cold, you might experience uncontrollable shivering, or even confusion. Those symptoms would typically indicate severe hypothermia, which manifests when your body temperature drops below about 95 degrees Fahrenheit.”

It’s crucial to pay attention to your footing while traversing snow and ice.

A general guideline for walking on snow and ice is to move like a penguin.

Keep your feet flat, angled slightly outward, and maintain your arms at your sides for stability, taking slow and short steps.

In general, being conscious of your body and potential risk factors is of utmost importance.

“You must be attentive to yourself, as only you can determine when it’s time to head indoors. If your hands begin to feel excessively cold, don’t hesitate to go inside.”