Winter brings with it cold temperatures that can affect our health and well-being, especially if we are talking about older people and small children. At this time, respiratory infections are very common in elderly people, since age, the presence of various pathologies and the taking of different medications make them more vulnerable. That is why a simple cold can worsen other underlying diseases and lead to a more serious health situation. To avoid these situations, it is essential to know how to combat the cold at home and on the street.
We implement different measures to maintain the environmental temperature of the centers, as well as the body temperature of our residents.
How to combat the cold at home
Maintaining a comfortable and cozy environment during the cold seasons is not always easy, but these tips will surely teach you how to combat the cold at home:
Improves insulation
Make sure that the doors and windows (and also the gap of the blinds) are well sealed to prevent heat leaks and cold air entry. You can use weatherstripping or caulking to improve insulation. And if there are rooms you don’t use often, keep them closed to concentrate heat in the areas you use most.
Don’t forget to ventilate
Despite the cold, it is still essential to ventilate the house every day to renew the air. 5 minutes is enough, but try to do it during the hottest hours of the day, this way you will prevent the house from cooling down excessively.
Curtains and blinds
Use curtains and blinds at night to retain heat inside the house. During the day, open them to allow sunlight to warm the space.
Blankets and rugs
Place blankets on your favorite chair, so when you are resting you can have additional warmth. Rugs also help to insulate the cold from the floors, especially if they are not made of wood, but make sure that they are not very thick rugs and that they are always well placed and non-slip to avoid tripping over them.
Program the thermostat
Heating is the best system to combat the cold at home and distribute heat evenly, but to make it more efficient you have to check that it is in good condition. It is also a good idea to set the thermostat or thermostatic valves to a comfortable temperature. However, it is advisable to reduce the temperature when you are not at home or at night when you sleep, as you will rest better and save energy.
Appropriate clothing at home
How to combat the cold at home with clothes? Well, very simple: we have to dress warmly, but instead of wearing a thick layer of clothing, it is more appropriate to dress in several thin layers that you can add or remove depending on the time of day and your thermal sensation. Also don’t forget to wear thick, breathable socks, as well as sneakers to avoid heat loss through your feet.
Take care of your diet
Another of the best ways to deal with the cold at home is through food. Soups, broths, stews and infusions are very comforting and an excellent way to keep warm. Also foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as oats, quinoa and brown rice, are excellent sources of energy that will help you keep your energy levels stable and combat the cold.
Don’t forget to eat fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits several times a day that will provide you with vitamin C and other essential nutrients to combat the cold and strengthen the immune system, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis and peppers.
How to combat the cold on the street
When going outside, it is advisable to take a series of measures:
Plan your outings
Before going outside it is advisable to know the outside temperature and avoid going out in extreme weather conditions. It is also advisable that you plan your outings at certain times of the day to take advantage of the warmer hours, avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold.
Dress by layers
We insist that it is better to wear several layers of thin clothing than just one thick one. Thus, if on your walk you enter a shopping center, a cafeteria or someone else’s house, you will be able to adjust your clothing to the ambient temperature without getting cold or hot.
Also don’t forget to use gloves, a scarf and especially a hat, since a lot of body heat is lost through the head. Also consider wearing waterproof clothing to protect yourself from rain and snow, if necessary. If clothing is wet or damp, it is important to change it immediately.
Pay attention to footwear
Footwear is very important when it comes to combating the cold. Use shoes with non-slip soles that insulate against cold and water. This way you can ensure that your feet are warm and dry, avoiding certain health problems.
Tips to remove the cold from the body
If despite dressing up, you are not able to get warm, here are some simple tips to know how to get rid of the cold from your body:
Hot foods and drinks
Again food and the intake of hot drinks can help us to tone the body. Also energetic and even spicy foods can activate the metabolism and improve the sensation of body temperature.
Take a bath or shower with warm water
If you have been cold during the day, there is nothing more comforting than a shower or bath with warm water. You may be tempted to make the water very hot, but if you do, vasodilation will occur, which will make you feel more cold when you get out of the shower.
Do exercise
This is nothing new, but it is very effective: if you’re cold, get moving. In this way, the body draws on its own energy, burning calories and causing the internal temperature to rise. Practicing daily physical activity will help you keep your body active, prevent various pathologies, and will also allow you to socialize with other people.
Now you know how to combat the cold, but remember that these tips are especially recommended for older people. Following these indications, in the different NAMI Day Centers and Residences we ensure that our residents can enjoy the winter safely and comfortably because we are committed to their total well-being, as well as to carry out a sustainable energy consumption based on renewable energies for self-consumption, energy efficiency and water savings in our NAMI centers.
