Tips For Staying Safe And Healthy During Winter

As temperatures drop and the winter season drags on, county residents need to be prepared to stay healthy and safe during this time of year.

Residents also need to prepare their animals for the winter.

People can stay healthy by simply keeping in shape and washing their hands frequently.

"I would say the most important thing is frequent hand-washing," said Kosciusko County Health Department Administrator Robert Weaver. "People are in close proximity during the winter. Many of the illnesses associated with the winter months are passed by hand.

"Try to maintain your exercise habits. You have a tendency to become sedentary during the winter season."

Weaver said exercising strengthens the body's immune system and helps a person sleep better at night. Better sleep will also contribute to fighting illnesses.

The same advice applies to the elderly, Weaver said, plus maintaining a healthy diet. "It's really important that they're eating properly," he said.

For children and infants, Weaver said, "One thing that we come across a lot is that most people are in their houses a lot. I think it is important to keep fresh air going in the house."

Fresh air is especially important in a house where cigarette smoke is present. Second-hand smoke can aggravate asthma and other respiratory problems in infants. Fresh air may help cut down on those problems.

As for staying safe if caught in a winter storm, the National Weather Service offers several points of advice.

At home, the NWS recommends people stay inside and ensure proper ventilation of heat sources. If no heat is available, everyone should gather together in one room and close off the other rooms. Towels should be placed under doors to reduce drafts. NWS also recommends wearing extra layers of clothing, eating enough to supply your body heat and drinking enough to avoid dehydration.

If you're caught outside in a vehicle, NWS says to remain in it. The motor and heater should be run sparingly and the exhaust pipe should remain clear of snow. A window should be left slightly open to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Try to exercise and make the vehicle visible.

Outdoors, find shelter from precipitation and wind, wear layered clothing and minimize skin exposure.

Whether at home or work, the NWS said, a flashlight and extra batteries should always be available. A weather or commercial radio with batteries, extra water, extra food that doesn't require cooking, and emergency heating that doesn't require electricity should also be available.

As people prepare their homes and themselves for the cold and snow, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals also remind them to take care of their pets.

Information released by PETA says dogs and other animals, although equipped with fur coats, can still suffer from frostbite, exposure and dehydration when water sources freeze. Cold weather spells extra hardship for "backyard" dogs who often go without adequate food, water, shelter or medical care.

"In nature, dogs would dig dens or otherwise find refuge from the elements," said PETA cruelty caseworker Daphna Nachminovitch. "But chained dogs often have nowhere to go to escape the cold and snow. We've received reports of dogs with frostbitten ears and noses, even dead dogs found frozen to the ground."

PETA encourages neighbors and witnesses to get involved if they see a neglected animal.

"Report it to authorities," Nachminovitch said. "Concerned neighbors are often the only hope for these poor animals."

Several tips are offered by PETA to help animals survive the cold season.

Animals should be brought inside, especially puppies, kittens, elderly animals, small animals and dogs with short hair. Short-haired animals will also benefit from a cozy sweater or coat.

Dogs should be provided with proper shelter. Doghouses should be made of wood or plastic and should be raised off the ground several inches. Put a flap over the door to keep out cold drafts. Straw or cedar shavings should be used instead of rugs and blankets.

Pets should not be allowed to roam freely outdoors, PETA suggests. Animals can become disoriented when there is snow or ice on the ground. More animals are lost during the winter than any other season.

Food rations should be increased for animals. Pet owners should make sure their pets are free of internal parasites.

Antifreeze spills should be cleaned up promptly to avoid poisoning pets, who are attracted to its sweet taste. Antifreeze with propylene glycol should be bought instead of ethylene glycol, which is deadly even in small doses.

The legs, feet and stomach of the cat or dog should be cleaned off when they come in from the snow. Salt and other chemicals can make them sick if they are ingested when they clean themselves.

A source of water should be provided outdoors for animals and wildlife.