FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Staying healthy in this relentless winter is possible but requires thought and attention.
New River Health Family/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Tammy Smith says dressing in layers is important.
“First, try to do a moisture-wicking layer. Second layer needs to be looser, and the third layer would be a weather-appropriate jacket or coat,” Smith said. “Then your gloves, scarves, and anything air-exposed you need to cover. Don’t forget that frostbite can affect ears, nose, chin, and lips. It’s not just fingers and toes.”
According to the nurse practitioner, people often think the tighter they can bundle the better. She says restricted clothing may decrease blood flow and cause more damage. Besides being mindful of frostbite, get ahead of your health amid more rounds of storms by keeping a list of medications and what’s running low.
“Then they need their insulin or heart meds and things of that nature,” said Smith. I always prepare and ask for them a week ahead of time so they can be in the works and ready.”
It’s dangerous for people to be out in this bitter cold and shovel, especially if they’re elderly, have heart conditions, or are diabetic. And kids out playing too long or families losing power in the home can also be deadly.
“Do you have enough food, the items you can get? Try to make arrangements, not wait until the snow starts since they can’t get out and shovel and don’t have a way to travel,” the nurse practitioner said. “Isolation is one of the hardest things to battle in winter for patients. Check on each other, be good neighbors, be good samaritans.”
Don’t forget that we have warming centers. Smith says if you find yourself without heat or anything else, please reach out to New River Health.
“You can even call our clinic,” she said. “We can try to find resources for you. We do that every day for people. A world of resources here that we’d be glad to help with.”
TO LEARN MORE
https://www.newriverhealthwv.com
