With the recent winter-like weather, The Cedars has some suggestions to keep seniors safe this winter whether you’re at home or out and about.
1) If you are driving, be sure to have your tire air pressure, anti-freeze levels, belts and hoses (check for cracks or leaks), checked. And ask about switching to a thinner grade of engine oil for better performance in the cold. Make sure your windshield wipers work.
2) To help prevent wintertime falls wear shoes with non-skid soles and stay on sidewalks or that have been cleared of snow and ice. Use railings!
3) More home fires happen during the winter months than any other time of the year mainly due to home heating devices and people age 65 and older are three times more likely to die or be injured in a home fire as those younger. If you haven’t already, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and check the batteries monthly, changing them at least once a year.
4) If you use a space heater remember to keep objects at least three feet away from the heater, and if you’re looking to by a new space heater get one that automatically shuts off if it tips.
5) If you haven’t had your flu shot, do it now. Vaccination against pneumonia is also widely available and recommended.
6) Maintain your diet and a good level of hydration. Drink at least four or five glasses of water every day.
7) Wear insulated gloves and a hat, since up to 50 percent of body heat escapes through the head. Wrap a scarf around your mouth to help protect your lungs against cold air. And bring a cell phone when you leave the house. If you fall, it can sometimes be hard to get up. Summon help with your phone.
8) When shoveling, take your time and take frequent breaks. Lift the shovel with your legs rather than your shoulders. If you can’t talk while you’re shoveling, you are probably working too hard and taking unnecessary risks. If you experience pain or discomfort while shoveling snow, stop immediately and go inside and rest. Discuss any symptoms with your doctor.
9) Keep your shovel and salt in your house. The reason you have a shovel and salt is so you don’t have to walk on a slippery sidewalk. If you have to walk through the snow and ice to get to the salt and shovel, it defeats the purpose.