By Managing Editor: Amber Lee Carnahan
This winter, Howell and the surrounding area has been hit hard by the inclement weather of the “Snowpocaplypse.” From the recent school closings, it is clear how dangerous this weather can be, not only on drivers, but on ourselves. Unless you look forward to catching a cold or two, it is important that you take precautions during the rest of the winter. Here are a few tips to stay healthy until spring arrives.
Dress Warmly. The trick to surviving winter is to always dress in layers. Bundle up in a good wool coat, gloves, and scarf before venturing into the dark unknowns. Make sure to throw on a hat that covers your ears, also. Extreme cold temperatures are prone to cause frostbite in a matter of minutes to any exposed skin. Additionally, frostbite can then develop into hypothermia, which causes a drop in a person’s body temperature. It is best to avoid these by dressing as warmly as possible during especially cold days. Wear snow boots to avoid getting your socks and feet wet as this can also cause frostbite in the toes. The places most apt to frostbite are the head, face, ears, hands, and feet, so it is crucial to make sure these areas are sufficiently covered.
Limit Outside Exposure. On days where classes were forced to cancel due to the extremely low wind chill, make sure to limit the time spent outside. In cases with freezing cold temperatures and dangerously high wind chill, even dressing warmly won’t guarantee to protect from the cold. It’s best to cuddle up inside and keep warm. Find ways to stay active while also staying warm. Play a board game, talk with a friend, or just simply watch television. Children, especially, should limit their time spent outside as they are more susceptible to the dangerous weather. One of the main reasons school needs to be cancelled when faced with freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills is that the children aren’t safe waiting for the buses.
Build Up Immune System. If you are prone to illnesses even before winter sets in, then you will be more likely to be affected by the winter weather. The combination of juggling school, work, and a social life tends to result in a large amount of stress, which is the leading factor of a weakened immune system, according to Beta Force. When feeling rundown, consider taking a break to clear your mind of any stress that might be plaguing your thoughts. Maintaing a healthier diet will also help boost your immune system. Be sure to eat vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, which can help the body avoid infection. Another way to make sure your immune system is at its best is to get enough sleep. Whether it’s school work, stress, or a bout of insomnia that is keeping you up, sleep is a crucial aspect of our bodies way of repairing any issues. Try to go to bed earlier or limit technology use an hour or two before you go to sleep as television and computers can stimulate the brain and keep you awake.
The winter season can be a pain to anyone, especially when faced with the seemingly random weather occurrences that Michigan has to offer, but it can be bearable if the right precautions are taken. The key is to listen to your body, and focus on your needs. With enough determination and hot chocolate to keep us going, we will survive this winter.
