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Top Tips For A Safe And Happy Winter

Urgh! Winter again. If you are like one of the millions of people who hate winter, then you are probably dreading the next few months. The cold and miserable weather and the extortionate heating bills bring us no joy over the festive season. Thank goodness for all the great decorations and twinkling lights people put up to sweeten the season and take our minds off the shivering.

 

When winter comes, it is particularly worrying for those who are older and frailer. The cold means risking expensive heating bills or having to be cold for months. Getting out and about is harder when there are ice and snow. All of us are at risk of slipping or falling over, but when you are elderly, it can cause us to lose our independence forever.

 

Those of us who have to commute by car risk our lives and every other road user’s life when we take to the icy roads. A car travelling even at slow speeds can cause serious damage and even death when it is unable to stop. Some of us are lucky enough to be able to work from home thanks to good IT services and fast internet access. Those of us who still have to make the journey in whatever the weather live through winter on edge.

Thanks to Flickr for this photo

 

If you are the victim of a road traffic accident contact a lawyer or try no win no fee accident claims with russellworthsolicitors. Any collision is tricky to sort out compensation for, but in bad weather, the circumstances make it even more difficult to understand who may be liable. If your local Highways Agency has broadcast that road travel is dangerous or that you should stay indoors, you will be wise to heed the warnings.

 

When it snows, the world completely changes for kids. Boundaries are blurred as they are covered under a white blanket, and suddenly children appear from nowhere to play out in the snow. Building a snowman and having snowball fights are definitely a rite of passage for most children. Providing fingers, toes, heads and necks are wrapped up warm, the cold weather is likely to harm children who are busy being active in the snow.

 

Snow is great for skiers and snowboarders too. And if you can find a good slope, sledding is the ultimate snow activity for all ages. You can find cheaper plastic sleds everywhere, including your local petrol or gas station. There are some beautifully crafted wooden models available at good toy shops too. Some parents prefer that kids wear their cycle helmets when undertaking high-speed activities like tobogganing or sledding. Children and adults should stay away from water when the temperature falls below freezing. Ice may not be strong enough to handle the weight of a person or dog, so its best not to try ice skating away from a proper rink.

 

Clearing snow from your path, drive, street or road is very hard manual work. If you are not used to this activity, you can become injured very quickly. The cold will increase your chances of straining muscles or hurting joints. More seriously, the impact of the work can dramatically increase your chances of a heart attack if you are susceptible to cardiovascular complaints. While it may be necessary to clear paths for safety, working lightly little by little may be more sensible. Take your time to reduce damaging your health.

 

It is important to stay fit and healthy in winter. Keeping warm can be very challenging when temperatures really plummet. Make sure you have a good waterproof hat. If it has a peaked cap it will keep the snow off your face, and help avoid dazzling from the lower angled sun. Scarfs keep your neck warm. This is essential for the base of your skull where you spine meets your head, and for the muscles around the shoulder to prevent strain from the cold. Gloves help prevent numb fingers and the cold causing pain in your hands. Warm boots and socks prevent the cold and wet getting to your feet. There are also means of reflective clothing to think about as well.

 

While there are lots of great winter coats out there, people tend to forget about their legs in cold winds. Women can wear woollen or thicker denier tights to help keep them warm. There are also thermal leggings to be worn under trousers. If the snow is deep, try some insulated or fleece lined waterproof hiking over-trousers to keep you dry and warm. These are great because you can take them off when you get back indoors and not be too hot with the heating on inside.

 

Always take your mobile or cell phone with you when you are out and about on your own in harsh weather. If you do have an accident, you will need to call for help quickly before you get too cold. It may be a good idea to let someone know where you are going too. In cold weather, cell batteries will drain much quicker than in normal room temperatures. Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave the house. As it gets dark quicker too, wear reflective clothing, or invest in a reflective strip, so you are clearly seen by other road users.

 

If you are a dieter, you may want to find some recipes to suit that includes more hot meals. When it is cold, it is a good idea to swap salads for soups and soda for tea or coffee. Warming from the inside is more effective than just putting on the heating. Wearing an under layer and a good thick jumper will allow you to keep the heating down to a lower temperature. This will save you some money, and also help the environment. Hot water bottles in bed and a big squishy duvet help us feel cozy in bed too.

 

Cold mornings make us want to stay in bed longer, so if you are not a morning person, you may need to find extra motivation to get you up in the morning. If you suffer from Seasonal Adjustment Disorder or SAD, try a special light to help you feel more energised when the day starts dark and cold.

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