Story Created:
Jan 12, 2009 at 11:15 AM EST
Story Updated:
Jan 12, 2009 at 6:28 PM EST
(WKTV) - This week, the Mohawk Valley is expected to get walloped with a one-two punch of frigid weather, with this Wednesday and Friday registering as the coldest days so far this season, reaching as far as 15 below zero.
And while everyone is sensitive to weather extremes...seniors are especially vulnerable...as with age, the body becomes less able to respond to long exposure of very hot or very cold temperatures.
In cold weather, some older people could develop hypothermia...which is a drop in internal body temperature that can be fatal if not detected and treated. This happens when exposure to the cold causes a person's body to lose heat faster than it can be replaced.
And it can be especially problematic for older people who might have other illnesses or take medications that can interfere with the body's ability to regulate its temperature.
As the cold weather fast approaches, a few more tips for seniors to keep in mind, and keep themselves safe as the temperatures drop this week:
- Keep your thermostats set to at least 65 degrees, and keep it there even when you're not home in order to prevent freezing pipes.
- Protect your skin with creams and lotions -as the winter humidity causes the skin to lose moisture - causing dryness and itching.
- Stay hydrated. Summer weather may be long gone, but make sure you still drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid a day to avoid dehydration.
- To avoid slips and falls, wear boots that are non-skid. And if you use a cane, replace the rubber tip before its worn smooth, otherwise it can become slippery.
- And, of course, dress warmly - especially outside. Loose fitting, layered, lightweight clothing, mittens, and be sure to wear a hat - as the body losses about 30 to 50 percent of its heat through the head.
And of course, if you absolutely need to go somewhere in the bitter cold weather, make sure that your car is tuned up, and has good tires on it as well.
And what about those furry friends?
"With the wind chill factors kicking in, it gets cold very quick and a lot of the animals don't have the coats that would allow them to stay out in the cold," said Jerry Kraus of the Stevens Swan Humane Society.
Aside from keeping those pets inside, it's important to know that many animals like cats and small wildlife will find warm car engines very attractive in the cold - but that can be obviously equally as dangerous - so be on the lookout.
De-icing chemicals are incredibly hazardous, and while it's good to have them handy for you, keep them out of the reach of animals.
Of course, some of the best advice is the simplest - if you don't have to go outside, don't. And only have the pet outside as little and as infrequently as possible.
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