Winter weather can be a real challenge as the temperatures drop. Plan now for your health and safety during the remainder of this winter season. Here are a few tips to consider.

Have you had your flu shot? It is not too late to get a flu shot. The shot may not prevent the flu, but it will make the illness far less serious should it strike. Check with your local clinic or public health office to make arrangements to get your flu shot.

Do you drive? Put the winter survival kit in the trunk. Fill a box with boots, mittens, heavy coat and cap, blanket, flashlight, shovel, jumper cables, cell phone and charger and snacks. If the weather is inclement, rearrange your schedule and stay at home.

Protect your skin. Dry air treats human skin the same way it treats everything else – it sucks out the water. Rugs become electrified, plants require more water, doors warp and the skin scales and itches. The skin of older folks is likely to suffer more, since it has lost much of its ability to produce natural lubrication. If you experience the all-over-itch this winter, the most likely cause is dry skin.

Avoid a fall. An older person too often loses a battle with ice or wind, and prevention is the only cure. Start by putting high heel shoes in storage. Firm footing is essential. Tennis shoes or rubber boots are far safer than leather bottomed shoes. A cane might complete the outfit. An outdoor excursion in winter is not the time to emphasize fashion or to demonstrate pride. Wind is almost as risky as ice. Either element will get you if you are not constantly alert to it. Presume that doors are going to fly at you or with you. If there are stairs, look for the rail. If there is no rail, do not venture there. Look for a safer access.

Stay warm indoors. Some may brag that they keep their thermostat set at 60 degrees all winter but remember that an older person has more difficulty conserving body heat. Hypothermia can occur with prolonged exposure to temperatures as high as 65 degrees. Symptoms include sleepiness, fatigue, lack of coordination and confusion. Shivering is often absent. So, resist the temptation to save on the heating bill. Keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees and be sure to wear several layers of warm clothing.

Winter can be a lonely time. Many older adults find themselves trapped and isolated indoors during the winter months and depression is a common consequence. It is not just the isolation. Studies have demonstrated that decreased exposure to sunlight contributes significantly to seasonal mood changes. Now is the right time to develop strategies to avoid the winter blues. Find a new hobby, plan some indoor projects, make a list of old friends to call, encourage family members to visit more often. Do not wait until you are lonely and sad. At that point you will not have the emotional energy to reverse the problem.

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If you would like more information on “The Big Chill – Winter Safety” feel free to contact Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus – University of Minnesota at waldn001@umn.edu. Be sure to watch for more Family Living Focus™ information in next week’s paper.