Baby It’s Cold Outside…. In the non-creepy song way
With snow raging in the northeast and here in Iowa being frigid and snow covered as well, I felt discussing staying safe in cold weather would be appropriate. In any other normal non-pandemic year, outdoor winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, etc would be in full swing. If you are still able to get outside for some cold and snowy recreational activities, here are some extra precautions to take when enjoying the freezing outdoors to keep safe.
When we escape the comfortable confines of the indoors and climate controlled arenas or gymnasiums, we are exposed to the elements of the occasional harsh weather. Why do we do this? It’s friggin’ fun! Ideally this happens on a beautiful sunny day with moderate temperatures in the 70’s... But as I will eventually be telling my newborn daughter as she continues to grow up- “when do we ever get exactly what we want?”. Weather can be dangerous and conditions can change quickly. It is important to prepare for the arena that you are set in. There is an old saying, ‘there is no bad weather, only bad gear’... except for lightening I would probably agree.
Always nice to get out for some fresh air. Pull on those long Johns and get that heart rate up!
Anyhoo, let’s talk cold weather shall we?! Our bodies are meant to stay around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or about 37 degrees Celsius. The body utilizes its metabolism to break down nutrients and generate heat. This heat ultimately has to be released via a few processes such as radiation, convection, and evaporation (boring old physics). When it is cold outside the body must work harder to maintain its preferred set temperature - interestingly there is currently some debate on whether there is a need to update what we think of as the average normal body temperature. Some studies suggest the average might be a bit lower, around 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit, but until there is consensus we will stick to good old 98.6 as normal around here.
No bad weather, just bad gear. Make sure to wear what keeps you comfortable and protected.
Some of the ailments that can arise from partaking in winter weather activities without proper protection should sound familiar. Frostbite, frost nip, and hypothermia are at increased risk. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and gear. There is actually a good amount of science out there on what clothing to wear in the cold which can wick moisture and insulate the body. However, it isn’t super sexy to write about the next fancy gortex material that is coming out… But make sure you do some digging and have clothing and equipment that will help keep you comfortable and allow for the activities you wish to participate in. Unless you are winning a bet, a mank-top on the slopes would be a bad idea - though quite fun to watch if there is a wipe out.
Skin exposed to the cold air will lose the most heat. The head is a major source of heat loss, especially in children. Staying dry when out in the snow is important as well. Staying in a cold, damp environment for too long can cause things like trench foot or Chilblains. So waterproof snow boots or shoes are recommended. Mittens have been found to work better in retaining heat in the hands and fingers than fingered gloves. Wearing mittens is something I have had to acquiesce to as I have vasospasms in my hands when they get cold, causing something called Reynaud’s phenomenon - many people experience this so I’m not that weird...
Snowshoeing can be some good cardio in the snowy outdoors. Just make sure to dress appropriately!
Some other things to consider when going out into a winter wonderland is the snow. Yes it is cold and wet and avoiding the yellow colored snow is important, but something many won’t consider is protecting against UV and sun rays. The white color of snow comes from all the sun rays and light being reflected off the snow. Where does that light go?... To the eyeballs and retina. Issues with vision can occur, especially more so in alpine (mountain) settings. In alpine regions as well where the air is thinner, there isn’t as much dissipation of the UV rays, and sunburns can actually occur easier and even when it is cloudy. It is still important to wear eye protection and sunglasses or goggles whether out on a sunny or cloudy day. And keep slathering on sun screen, or suffer those funky tan lines and skin damage.
The outdoors can be extremely fun and the sunshine is important to avoid seasonal affective disorder in the winter and to boost Vitamin D levels, but just make sure to be safe. Humans didn’t evolve and start to seek shelter from the elements because it was always safe to be in them. When enjoyed responsibly, the outdoors, even in the winter months, can be refreshing and enjoyable.
Lace up those snow boots, strap on those skis or snowshoes and get moving.
