6 Tips for Working Safe in Cold Weather,

 

Working in cold conditions isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. Frostbite, numbness, dehydration and hypothermia are real concerns from chilly outdoor weather. If you're working outdoors this winter, be aware of the dangers and stay safe. In this article, we're looking at 6 tips for staying safe in the cold.

1. Stay well nourished by eating and drinking enough

Make sure to drink enough fluids, as you dehydrate faster in cold weather conditions. Dehydration causes headaches, dizziness and fatigue, and it’s important to stay alert outdoors. Eating enough food during the day, especially fats and carbohydrates, is also important. Your body uses those nutrients as energy to stay warm in cold temperatures.

2. Stay well rested

Working outdoors can be challenging, and increases risks to your safety. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to stay alert on the job when conditions are more dangerous.

3. Plan breaks from the cold

Just like you need to take breaks from your work throughout the day, your body needs to take breaks from the cold. Plan warm-up times throughout your day to avoid numbness and shivers.

4. Stay dry

Damp clothing can quickly drop your body temperature. It’s more important than ever to stay dry in the cold. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer to draw away sweat as you work. Wear waterproof gear as an outer shell to prevent your under layers from getting wet. Remove any wet clothing immediately.

5. Dress for the conditions

Dressing in layers is key, as it not only keeps you warm but allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. Proper gloves, socks and footwear are essential. Choose headwear that keeps your head and ears warm. Balaclavas can also help to warm your neck and warm the air you’re breathing.

6. Keep a cold weather safety kit in your vehicle

If you’re on the road, make sure to take a cold weather safety kit. A cold weather kit should include emergency blankets, candles, and matches. A candle burning in a vehicle could provide enough warmth to ward off hypothermia for a period of time. For more ways to get your vehicle ready for winter, read "How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter." Before you work outdoors in cold weather conditions, make sure that you’re well prepared. Be aware of the dangers of exposure, and follow these tips to make safe choices.

As we grumble upon the fact of facing winter blizzard, it's quite hard to imagine that this frigid low temperature could possibly bring any health benefits, but according to Ayurveda, winter is the season in which there is inherent immunity boost up. Cold weather leads to decreased body temperature, and the body undergoes thermoregulation to adjust to new climate. Sometimes this transition demonstrates through a number of winter season diseases; however, by following some easy precautions during winter season with little effort you can have a supercharged up healthy winter. Listed below are health tips for winter season.

Winter is the season to boost immune system and nurture our body. Eating nourished warm food, sleeping well and staying active are some important aspects to keep one healthy during winters.

Healthy Diet or Food:

Eating a well-balanced diet including whole grains, lean meats, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices as well as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are essential to the boost immune system. We can also have an optimum intake of foods rich in vitamin C, as it helps to strengthen our immune system and to keep our body healthy.

Exercise:

physical activity is an important aspect to keep one fit throughout the winter. Daily routine of yoga or any form of physical activity will help to keep you warm and boosts the immune system improving defence against seasonal ailments like flu and colds.

Skin Trouble:

Damaged skin is one of the perils of winter. Cold weather damages skin resulting in dry, and itchy skin, chapped lips, and cracked heels. Skin care in winter is a must include moisturising, applying sun protection creams and increasing intake of water.

Water:

Drink required amount of water every day and stay hydrated. Water helps to clean our system and remove toxins, carry nutrients to the body cells and help balance body fluid.

Sleep:

A good amount of sleep helps to keep the body's immune system healthy, eliminates stress hormone cortisol and burns calories. Sleep is non-negotiable factor for maintaining good health.

Hygiene:

Maintain good hygiene, wash hands to keep the bacteria and viruses to stop spreads of germs.

Checkup Your Health Regularly:

Winter season precautions include keeping a check on health conditions by opting for a regular health checkup. As cold weather triggers health problems like asthma, flu, sore throat, painful joints, and increased risk of heart attacks as low temperature makes blood pressure to rise and puts more pressure on heart. Preventive health checkup is best way beat the winter diseases and to enjoy good health even in the chilled weather.

Quit Smoking:

Smoking makes individual susceptible towards respiratory infections in winter hence one should quit smoking.

Vitamin D:

Go outdoor and soak in the warm sun, our body requires vitamin D - which is essential for maintaining health and immunity, Vitamin D is also required to regulate the mood.

Clothing:

Wear woollen clothes to keep you warm when you go out.

Now is the time to think about winter season health prevention, only if you want to avoid being sick and to avoid antibiotics and other drugs, follow above mentioned tips to have safe and a healthy winter.