Slippers sidewalks and roads are just two risks associated with colder temperatures and winter weather. Every year, after hours care facilities quickly fill with people seeking treatment for personal injury, but there’s plenty you can do to stay safe and healthy.
1. Wear Appropriate Footwear
Your winter boots should offer traction on the snow and as as well as providing heat for your feat. Take your boots off once you go indoors because moisture in your boots can cause slick surfaces on tiles and laminate floors. Whether you fall indoors or out, you risk injury to muscle and bone that requires you to visit after hours care when you ignore common sense, so make sure you’ve got the right kicks.
2. Bundle Up
With temperatures frequently dipping below 0 degrees in many areas of the country this year, it’s never been so important to bundle up. Skin exposed to the cold and wind can quickly lead to frostbite and potential nerve damage. Plus, hypothermia can develop if you spend time outside without the proper clothing. Instead of finding yourself at after hours care, make sure to wear layers, thick softs, hats, a scarf and gloves that are designed to beat the cold.
3. Get a Flu Shot
This season has seen more deaths to the typical flu outbreak than most years. The elderly and children are especially at risk for flu-related deaths. The CDC reports ten flu deaths in children and infants during the second week of January this year. Stop by the pharmacy, clinic or hospital on your way from work so that you can get keep yourself health all winter long. Many facilities offer shots after business hours and on the weekends.
4. Take Care of Those Colds
The typical cold is more annoying than it is serious, but this doesn’t mean that you should ignore it. Ingest in plenty of Vitamin C when you feel a cold coming on and call in to work or school if you’re in the infectious stage. To prevent colds and other infections in the first place, make sure to wash your hands frequently. Keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer on your person or desk can also promote healthiness while you’re waiting for spring to roll around. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself waiting to see a doctor at Cigna Urgent Care.
5. Slow Down
Car accidents increase during inclement weather thanks to slippery conditions and reduce visibility. That’s why it’s so important to slow down during the season. Even if you’re not driving on ice, be careful. Rain accounts for 46% of all weather-related automobile fatalities and can send you rushing to after hours care. Don’t drive when you’re in a rush. It’s better to be late than dead. Stay home during snow and rain storms.
