5 Winter Safety Tips to Stay Warm and Healthy This Season

Winter in the Upper Peninsula is filled with joyful outdoor activities, heartwarming comfort foods, and annual traditions with loved ones — but winter also brings seasonal challenges of its own. Here are some tips to help you stay warm, healthy, and safe, especially during extremely cold and snowy weather.

Prevent Injuries When Shoveling or Clearing Snow
Average snowfall is substantially high across the Upper Peninsula — and clearing that snow is a daily task. When shoveling snow, protect your back muscles by keeping your back as straight as possible. Take your time with smaller loads of snow, and bend and lift with your knees to avoid injury.

Take Extra Precaution on Icy Walkways
Some of the most common winter injuries involve slipping or falling on icy surfaces — such as sidewalks or stairways. It’s much easier to keep your balance when walking slowly and with smaller steps. Use salt or sand to increase the traction on walkways. Wipe off your shoes properly to prevent slipping indoors.

If you get injured from slipping or while shoveling snow, don’t let that injury take you out for the season. Ask your primary care provider about rehabilitation.

Prepare Ahead of Winter Storms
When the weather forecast calls for a winter storm, the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead. Assess windows, doors, and the roof, ensuring there are no cracks or leaks, and apply extra insulation when possible. Installing plastic covers on the inside of windows is one affordable option to help make the most of your home’s heating.

To prepare your car for a winter storm, make sure everything is in working order. Start by checking your tire pressure — this can often drop as the temperature does. To avoid accumulating ice in the gas tank and fuel lines, be sure to keep the gas tank as near full as possible. Keep an emergency kit ready with first-aid, a shovel, an ice scraper, and battery cables.

Watch Out for Hypothermia or Frostbite
Staying out in the cold for too long, especially without proper cold-weather gear, can cause hypothermia and frostbite. By learning how to spot early signs for these cold-related health dangers, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and even your pets. Some early signs of hypothermia are shivering, confusion, and/or very low energy. Frostbitten areas will be numb, unusually firm, and discolored. Learn more from the CDC website.

Take Care of Your Mental Well-Being
One sometimes forgotten winter hazard is the depleted levels of sunlight. This can affect mood, sleeping patterns, and other behaviors. Be sure to stay as active as possible, soaking up daylight whenever you can. Spend time with family and friends, get adequate, balanced sleep, and maintain a balanced, healthy diet.

For some people, the “winter blues” are actually something more — a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder. If you feel like this season is getting the best of you, you may want to seek help from a professional. Your primary care provider can help you identify your symptoms and refer you to a specialist, such as a psychologist.

As we approach the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, remember to enjoy all the unique things that Winter brings, while keeping your family’s health and safety in mind.

Need a provider? Call 906.483.1000 or visit the Find a Doctor tab at Portagehealth.org and we’ll get you connected with the right care.