Wintertime is rough on everybody, but especially older people.

They have to deal with things like shoveling snow and scraping ice off cars, that aren’t a concern for the rest of the year.

Winter can be a hazard to people, but they can do things to protect themselves.

Winter Work

Winter brings with it extra work. Every snow means shoveling out sidewalks and driveways.

As you get older, the danger of a heart attack from over-exertion becomes a more real possibility.

To prevent anything from happening to you, follow these tips:

• Wear layers of clothes to keep warm and prevent frostbite
• Take frequent breaks and go inside to get warm
• For long driveways or heavy snow, work in shifts – don’t try to get it all done at once

If you begin to feel tired, dizzy or have other symptoms of discomfort, stop immediately.

As the article, “Is Your Roof in Danger from Collapsing Under Heavy Snow” talks about, damage to your home from snow is a real concern for many people.

However, you must be careful about getting on the roof to remove the snow since falls can cause broken bones, concussions and other problems.

If you must get on the roof, make sure someone is with you.

However, a better option is to hire someone to do the job for you.

Catching a Cold or Flu

Getting sick seems to be an accepted part of winter.

Colds and flu are carried from one person to the next and everyone seems to suffer together with coughs, sneezing and sniffles. For older people, this seemingly harmless cold can lead to more serious health issues, including pneumonia.

It is important to get your flu shot and then to do everything you can to prevent getting sick.

Wash your hands often and avoid going out when a round of flu is in the area. Eat healthy meals and get plenty of risk to take care of your immune system.

If you do get sick, don’t try to treat it yourself for too long.

If a cold lingers more than a few days or the flu keeps you down with a high fever, go to your doctor or a clinic. You can often prevent pneumonia by treating colds and flu quickly.

Getting Out

Driving in bad weather is dangerous, especially with a freshly-fallen snow or a glaze of ice. If you don’t have to get out, stay in.

If you must venture out in the winter weather, be prepared. Carry extra clothing, blankets, shovels, flashlights and other essentials in case you should be stranded.

Always let someone know when you are getting out and when you should arrive. This ensures that someone is looking for you if you don’t make it to your destination.

Staying safe in winter isn’t easy with all of the seasonal dangers that lurk around.

Plan ahead and take care of yourself and you will make it through this cold weather healthy and in one piece.

About the Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including business and healthcare.

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