Make Sure Your Winter Fashion Still Functions
Posted January 31, 2018
No matter how cold it gets there is always that one person…
You know the guy; the guy that is wearing shorts and a t-shirt outside even though it is below zero degrees out and there is five feet of snow on the ground. While we all laugh, shake our heads, and sneak pictures with our phones, that person is actually putting their health at risk.
Why is it so Important to Dress Properly?
You put yourself at risk of a lot more than just a cold or the flu when you don’t dress properly for the winter. When you’re body gets really cold, it goes into a mode of self-preservation. Your blood vessels constrict in an attempt to get smaller so as to preserve heat, and your body works to keep vital organs like your heart and brain warm.You’re also at risk for frostbite, and even a heart attack due to the freezing temperatures. Freezing temperatures can be dangerous for anyone, but especially if you are very young or very old.
How to Make Sure You Dress Properly
- Dress in layers
A large and heavy coat alone is not enough. You need multiple sets of clothing covering
your body to make sure you are maintaining optimum body heat. It also matters what
kinds of layers you use.
- Base Layer: This thin layer is meant to protect your skin from any moisture so that it stays warm and comfortable.
- Middle Layer: This is the insulating layer that is best made up of fleece and wool. You could also use several thin layers of protection to make up the middle layer.
- Outer Layer: This is where the large coat comes in. The outer layer is a shield against water and wind. Make sure the coat has a high collar and hood for when the weather is especially unpleasant.
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Properly maintain your attire When you get back inside after a day out in the cold, you may be tempted to throw off your outerwear and leave it behind, but it is important You take care of those cold and wet clothes. Make sure you hang up any winter coats, pants, hats, scarfs, and gloves so that the moisture is able to leave the fabric and it will be able to better keep you warm the next time you wear them.
- Dress for the occasion The longer you plan to be out in the cold, the more you should bundle up. It also couldn’t hurt to have some extra clothes items on hand for when any given item gets too wet. Socks, gloves and hats are especially important.
There are other factors that can affect how well you stay warm. Keeping a healthy diet and exercise plan so that your body is in good shape is always important. If you are outside for a long period of time, avoid drinking any alcohol or caffeine. Although those drinks may seem to warm you up, they can actually cause you to lose heat more quickly. Taking preventative measures can help keep you or your loved one from getting seriously ill during those cold winter months.
https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/16/health/cold-weather-health/index.html
https://gracevillage.org/the-importance-of-staying-warm/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2016/11/5-tips-dressing-cold-weather-exercise/
Let Us Join Your Support System
Another key step in staying healthy is staying on top of your medication regimen. We care about your health, and we want to be a part of your support system. This is why MedaCheck’s app, Habit, sends off an alert when it’s time to take your medication, along with a photo of the drug, the name of the medication, and any specific instructions to take the medication properly—because it’s not just about taking your medication on time, it’s about doing it the right way. Want to learn more about MedaCheck’s easy-to-use medication reminder system? If you’re a hospital, care center, healthcare organization or home care provider, employer or individual, visit www.medacheck.com.