Tips for Keeping Warm

 It’s that time of year again when keeping warm in Chicago can seem like a full time job. Sure, Global Warming   might be a very real danger facing our planet, but that does not change the reality that it gets very cold in the winter in Chicago.

With the cold weather comes a variety of health concerns. Clearly sub zero temperatures can have serious risks for even the healthiest in the population, but the situation is far more serious for those that are already in a weakened state.

IDoA Director Charles D. Johnson said. “The state has a number of resources available that seniors can use so they aren’t left to make difficult decisions about paying their heating bills or taking their prescription drugs this winter”.

” I hope that older persons, their families and those who care for them will take these practical, simple steps to prepare for the cold weather ahead.”

People who lower the thermostat to reduce heating bills risk developing hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which the body temperature drops dangerously low. At increased risk are older people who take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition and who have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

“Seniors should make sure they set their thermostats to above 65 degrees. This year is going to be particularly tough on seniors on fixed incomes because of the rising cost of the price of gas and electricity to heat homes, but I urge them not to turn the heat down any lower than 65 degrees – it is too dangerous for seniors,” Director Johnson said. “Their health and well-being should come before anything else.”
Before winter officially arrives, Director Johnson recommends that seniors get their furnace checked to ensure that it is in good working order and heating ducts are properly ventilated. Having heating equipment checked each season by a qualified technician to make sure it is operating properly can make a great impact on how much extra money is spent on utility bills.
Other cold-weather tips from Director Johnson and the Department on Aging include:

• Dress in layers and cover as much skin as possible while outdoors. A hat is important since so much body heat escapes from an uncovered head.

• Keep active. Make a list of exercises and activities that you can do indoors when you cannot get out.• Eat well and drink 10 glasses of water every day.

• Keep extra medications in the house. If this is not possible, make arrangements now with a pharmacy that will deliver.

• Stock up on extra non-perishable food supplies, just in case.

• Have your house winterized. Be sure that walls and attics are insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Insulate pipes near outer walls, in crawl spaces and attics that are susceptible to freezing.

• Be informed. Watch the news and weather.

. Contact your Gas and Electric companies, Let them know if you have any special needs (i.e. oxygen, home dialysis, etc.).

• Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water supply in case pipes burst.

• Prepare your vehicle for winter: Check wipers, tires, lights and fluid levels regularly. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. Plan long trips carefully and travel by daylight with at least one other person.

• Protect against fire. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, buy one. Make sure space heaters are at least three feet from anything flammable. Do not overload extension cords.

• If you live in a house, plan now for someone else to shovel the snow when it comes. Do not shovel snow or walk in deep snow. The strain from the cold and hard labor could cause a heart attack; sweating can lead to a chill and even hypothermia.

. Be careful about going out side with exposed flesh.

. Dress in layers. The warmest way to dress is to have one layer that Protects against wind,then other layers for warmth.

. When venturing outside make sure people know where you are going, and when you are expected to return.