Keep warm from head to toe this winter

#Middlebury #Seniors

The official start of winter is just weeks away, and if the two popular almanacs are accurate, much of the country is going to have a brutal winter with lots of snow, cold and ice. For seniors, weather this cold can present problems.

Sometimes circulation isn’t the best because blood vessels aren’t as elastic as they once were. Seniors also lose a fat layer under the skin. Hypothermia is a very real danger, but there are ways to stay warm when you have to go out.

• Head – Heat rises out of the top of the head. Even when you’re indoors, a cap can help you stay warm. For outdoors, look for an insulated one that also covers your ears.
• Neck – Again, heat rises, and all your saved-up core heat can escape unless you use a scarf. Thick ones that wind around the neck more than once will go a long way toward trapping in warmth.
• Hands – Double up on the layers of your gloves. Here’s a hint: Use a pair of thin gloves as the first layer and then add an insulated mitten over that.
• Core – While a thick coat might seem to be enough, adding a vest underneath will keep your chest and back warm. It’s also a great item to keep handy and wear around the house.
• Legs – Consider flannel-lined pants or jeans.
• Feet – A double layer of wool socks can help keep toes warm, as can insulated boots.
• Also consider having an automatic starter installed in your car so it’s warm before you even go outside.

After all, we can’t just stay inside all winter. We have places to go, things to do and people to see.

(c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.