| Just as the hot summer months pose weather | | | | clothing. Clothing made of light weight material and |
| dangers such as sunburns, heat strokes and heat | | | | worn loosely will trap air between the layers |
| exhaustion, the cold waves of the winter months | | | | acting as an insulator. Layered clothing will also |
| pose there own. | | | | allow for layers to be added or removed |
| There is an abundance of outdoor sports activities | | | | depending temperatures which may vary during |
| the winter season brings to us. Anything from | | | | the time of planed activity. |
| skiing and snowboarding to ice climbing, ice fishing, | | | | - It is recommended the outer clothing be tightly |
| nature walk’s, hiking, and backpacking just to | | | | woven and water repellent. |
| name a few. | | | | - Use the proper gear for the activity and make |
| Physical exertion in cold temperatures tend put an | | | | certain it is in good condition and proper working |
| extra strain on the heart. Heavy exertion, such as | | | | order. |
| hiking steep trails, walking a long distance, trudging | | | | - Your footwear should be waterproof, in good |
| through deep snow, and etc. tend to increase | | | | condition with the proper sole designed for the |
| ones risk of a heart attack. Hypothermia is | | | | specific activity you have in mind. |
| another serious condition and can be life | | | | - You should have a hooded jacket or some type |
| threatening when you’re exposed to | | | | of head gear to cover you head and ears. |
| extremely cold temperatures for a prolonged | | | | - Covering you mouth with a scarf will help |
| period of time. Frost bite is yet another problem | | | | protect your lungs from extremely cold |
| because it is not associated with pain in the early | | | | temperatures. |
| stages. It been said that winter storm conditions | | | | - Protecting your hands with mittens sung at the |
| and cold waves are the deadliest types of | | | | wrist tends to do better than gloves as your |
| weather. | | | | fingers will remain warmer when there touching |
| “It’s been my experience that cold | | | | each other. |
| weather can make you just a miserable as the | | | | - Slow down your pace, don’t get in a hurry. |
| hot days of summer. The older I get the worse it | | | | - Stop to rest. Frequent rest breaks will help avoid |
| gets. However you can still enjoy the winter | | | | over exertion. |
| months outdoors if you prepare appropriately. | | | | - Seek medical attention. If you experience chest |
| Here are just a few tips that may help you to | | | | pain you should stop and seek immediate help. |
| avoid some potential risk associated with cold | | | | Don’t push yourself to the point of no return. |
| winter conditions.” | | | | It’s not worth it. |
| - Check the weather forecast and always | | | | As with any activity which requires physical |
| prepare for the worst. | | | | exertion you should check with your doctor |
| - It’s safest if you don’t hike alone. | | | | before participating. Learning to recognize the |
| However if you have to, be sure to tell some one | | | | signs of cold weather dangers and being prepared |
| where you’re going and when you expect to | | | | for the worst will help ensure a safe and |
| return. | | | | enjoyable outing not to mention your safe return. |
| - Layer yourself with loose, lightweight, warm | | | | Wishing you a safe and happy winter season! |