Welcome to winter in Central Oregon! The sun still shines but it is cold and can be snowy and icy.
Many of us would prefer to stay inside and observe the winter, not experience it, but that is not realistic. Eventually you will need to run to the store for food or go to a meeting/church. Thus the number one safety tip is to avoid slipping on the ice! The icy roads and sidewalks make it easy to slip and fall.
Often falls for seniors can cause major injuries such as hip or wrist fractures and head trauma not to mention cuts and bruises. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction and non-skid soles when going outside. When inside take off your shoes as snow and ice will attach to the soles and once melted can lead to slippery surfaces that may lead to a fall.
When it is cold outside, we tend to stay inside more and have less contact with others, which can lead to winter time depression as we are alone in our homes. Feelings of isolation and loneliness creep up on us. To help avoid these issues, arrange a check-in system with your neighbors where each person looks in on one or two others daily. Also a short, daily phone call with a family member or friend can make a big difference.
Winter’s harsh weather can lead to power outages. Be prepared for this by having flashlights readily available with new batteries in them. Have extra warm blankets around and a supply of non-perishable foods that can be eaten without any preparation.
If your power goes out, wear several layers of clothing including a hat to keep your body temperature up. Write down the phone number of your electric and gas company and keep it on the refrigerator so you can call them in the event of a power outage. They can’t fix it if they don’t know about it.
Lastly, eat a varied diet to avoid nutritional deficits, especially Vitamin D. As more time is spent indoors due to the cold weather this can be a problem. Keep foods on hand that are fortified with Vitamin D such as milk, grains and tuna.
Wintertime can be a challenge in our area but with planning and awareness, you can stay healthy and safe so you can experience the joys of springtime!
Katherine Bolster, director of marketing, Fox Hollow Independent and Assisted Living, 2599 NE Studio Rd., Bend, OR 97701, 541-383-2030
