Senior Health Connection news e t t e r i Intermountaii January 2009 Staying Healthy This Winter Winter is approaching and as the temperature drops, it's important for older adults to prepare for the potential risks that cold weather can bring. Older adults should keep these tips in mind to help ensure safety and optimum health this winter. • Older adults are more susceptible to hypothermia, which occurs when too much heat escapes from the body. It is important to dress warmly and keep dry, but equally important to remember good nutrition. Food provides the fuel we need to keep warm. Hot food and warm drinks are best to warm the body. • When going outdoors, remember to dress warmly. Wear layered, loose- fitting clothing and mittens. When possible, wear a hat to protect against heat loss since close to half of all body heat is lost through the head. • You can prevent many winter hazards simply by planning ahead. Be fore winter arrives, check all the windows and doors in your home for cracked or worn sealants. A new application of caulking may be needed; in a pinch, staple a sheet of plastic tarp over really old windows. Talk to your electric or gas companies to see if you can be put on a level billing system that averages your energy payments equally over 12 months. This doesn't save money, but it does help to budget during the heating season and prevent your heat from being shut off. To avoid slips and falls, wear non- skid boots or other shoes with plenty of traction. Cold weather can put extra strain on the heart. When doing winter chores such as shoveling snow, do some warm-up exercises first and take many breaks. To conserve energy, heat only those rooms that you use. Close off the attic, garage, basement, spare bedrooms or storage areas. But don't overdo your money-saving efforts: keep your thermostat set to at least 65 degrees to prevent hypothermia. • Shift energy use from peak to off -peak times. For example, do small things like running your dishwasher after 9 p.m. • When using a portable heater, plug the heater directly into an outlet, not to an extension cord. Make sure the outlet and wiring are in good condition. Keep the area around the heater clear of furniture, newspaper or other flammable materials and take special care to avoid tripping over cords. Programs are available for those needing assistance with paying their utility bills. Call the HEAT program at (866)205-4357 for more information. ; ; McKay Dee's Senior Health Connection McKay Dee Hospital has a program available for seniors to join that allows you to participate in quarterly activities, receive various health screenings, and entitles you to various discounts and benefits. Best of all, everything is free! Watch for updates and schedules of screenings and activities on the back of upcoming newsletters. For more information and to sign up for the Senior Health Connection contact Amy Drake at 866-8993.