| Winter
Weather Dress: Staying Warm |
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By Danny Cain Freezing Temperatures. Snow Storms. Blistering Winds. Icy Roads. Snow Drifts. We call it WINTER! Unless you're a polar bear or love outdoor winter sports this type of weather can slow things down considerably and can also be very dangerous if we're not properly prepared. Low temperatures mixed with other conditions such as high winds and snow can be very hazardous for those people who journey outside especially the elderly. This article will focus on some of the many hazards that cold weather conditions bring about and how to safeguard yourself against these treacherous conditions. Hypothermia and Frostbite Subfreezing temperatures can pose many problems for persons who must conduct activities outdoors. Numerous cases each year are reported of persons traveling out to mailboxes or setting out their garbage at curbside only to fall victim to these harsh weather conditions. Persons with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are also at great risk to these threatening conditions. If at-risk to wandering, these individuals can quickly be in danger and not even realize it. Once outside of their protected environment in cold temperatures their fate is often fatal. And it's not only those persons foolish enough to go out for a short errand without proper attire. Outdoor sports enthusiasts such as cross country skiers or hunters fail to appreciate and respect the chilling and killing effects that these conditions can have on their personal livelihood. I unfortunately learned my lesson too well. It was a blistering January day with all of the hopes and expectations of landing a large stripper bass at one of our state lakes. Every one said that the biggest game fish are caught during this time of year. So with several fishing buddies and the coldest day of the year we headed out to catch the big one. Little did I know that the two an a half hour drive with my heavy clothes on in an overheated pickup truck would come to haunt me once we got on the lake. Sure enough the wet clothes that I was wearing from perspiring in the heated pickup started to turn to ice fifteen minutes into my excursion on the lake. After about forty-five minutes of showing my manliness, actually it was my stupidity in disguise, I could take no more! I had to be rushed to shore well I spent the remaining day wrapping my feet with my down jacket to sooth the ill effects of frostbite. I finally recovered weeks later but it's an experience that taught me a valuable lesson. Forget fishing in the winter! |