How to Stay Safe All Winter Long

And now it’s time for another Wellness 101…Jr….Winter Safety…presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network and Blue Mountain Resort!
Hey kids… Mr. Wellness here and this is Wellness 101 Jr. Today I want to talk to you about...winter safety. Now, we usually do this show with my buddy Wellbee but it’s way too cold today for honeybees so I told him he should stay home.
As for the rest of us, winter is NOT a time to sit indoors, be lazy and wait for the warmer weather. There’s a whole winter wonderland out there for you to explore. Having said that, let’s talk about how we can stay safe but still have fun during the winter with some help from our friends at Blue Mountain Resort.
STEP 1: BE AWARE OF WINTER HAZARDS
Certain injuries are more common in the winter because of hazards like falling on ice and because cold-weather activities like skiing, snowboarding and sledding are more popular than ever. Although safe when done right, belly, head and neck injuries are becoming much more common in Emergency Rooms.
STEP 2: PREPARE FOR THE COLD
One of the best ways to create heat inside your body is to have something to eat…so make sure you have a snack before going out. In general, foods that take longer to digest can help raise your body temperature and make you feel warmer. Try foods like meat, milk, cheese, rice and beans for a little extra heat!
Before heading outside…don’t forget to dress in layers. Avoid cotton because it won't keep you very warm. Stick with wool and other heavy fabrics. Remember to dress warm…but not TOO warm… you don’t want to be sweating outside in the cold. Wear warm socks, long underwear, a sweatshirt, waterproof pants, waterproof jacket, waterproof gloves, and snow boots. Lastly…top it all off with a snuggly knit hat. Wearing a hat is one of the most important pieces of your winter gear as we lose 45% of our body heat through our heads!
Don’t forget to wear sunscreen. You heard me right. Sunscreen is not just for the beach. Did you know, snow and ice can reflect up to 85 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays? That could cause a serious sunburn!
Quiz #1
Alright my little kid-cicles… it’s quiz time!
1. What is one of the most important pieces of your winter gear?
A. A snow shovel
B. Your sled
C. A knit hat
D. All of the above
Did you answer C…a knit hat? That’s right…keep your noodle warm to keep your body warm!
STEP 3: WINTER SPORTS
Kids, winter sports safety is all about common sense. For most winter sports like skiing and snowboarding or even sledding, it’s smart to wear a helmet. Like any other sports, it’s important to warm up thoroughly before playing or practicing - as cold muscles are more susceptible to injury. And drink plenty of water before, during and after activities
STEP 4: EMERGENCIES
Listen up gang because this is big, it’s important to know what a true emergency is. Think of it this way, if you lost a toy…that’s NOT an emergency, if you stub your toe… that’s NOT an emergency, but if mom or dad are hurt badly, that’s an emergency…and in an EMERGENCY…we dial 911! If you do need to call 911, a 911 responder will want to know your address, what happened and who is with you. 911 responders are there to help, but you need to listen and do exactly what they tell you to do and answer all their questions. Remember…seconds matter in an emergency!
Quiz #2
2. I should call 9-1-1:
A. When you feel like it
B. In a true emergency
C. When you lose a toy
D. To order lunch
Did you answer B. In a true Emergency? You’re right…911 is for TRUE EMERGENCIES ONLY!!!!
Kiddos…wintertime can be a lot of fun as long as we take the proper precautions. Be aware of winter hazards, prepare for the cold, use common sense when playing winter sports, and know what to do in a REAL emergency and you should have a blast all winter long! Until next time this is Mr. Wellness saying be well…and follow the steps to a healthier you!
*DISCLAIMER - This video does not provide medical advice! The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this video are for informational purposes only. No material in this video is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you saw in this video.