With record low temperatures in the forecast, winter is making an early appearance. Although the arctic chill won’t be sticking around much, it’s enough to make going outside unpleasant. So how can you stay warm during the arctic chill sweeping more than half of the nation? These tips have you covered and will leave you feeling toasty despite the plunge in temperature!
How to Stay Warm in Arctic Weather
1. Layering
Layering insulates the body by creating pockets of warm air around it, which ensures that it keeps a core temperature of 98.6 °F. Keep in mind however, insulation doesn’t increase your temperature – it simply maintains it. It works much more effectively when you start off warm.
According to proper layering etiquette, you should dress in three layers when the arctic cold weather hits. A base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer layer are key, depending on what you are doing outside, balance accordingly.
The base layer of clothing is the one that’s worn next to your skin. It includes form-fitting clothing (like thermal underwear) that provides warmth and keeps you dry. Clothing made of synthetic materials that move moisture away from skin are best. Avoid wearing cotton when possible, it absorbs moisture and holds wetness against your skin, making you colder in the long run.
The middle layer of clothing is meant to insulate the body by keeping heat in and cold out. Wool, fleece, and polyester sweaters, pullovers, and long-sleeved tops work well.
The outer layer of clothing includes pants and a jacket. Ideally, this layer should be waterproof, yet breathable.
2. Keep Dry
No matter how many layers of clothing you wear, they won’t do any good if they aren’t dry. A weather-proof coat, snow boots, and even an umbrella can help with this. Once clothing gets wet, the moisture evaporates from its surface, causing it to cool. Not only can rain, freezing rain and snow dampen clothing, but sweat can too. If you find you’re wearing too many layers for your activities causing you to overheat, remove an article from your mid or base layer.
3. Cover your Extremities
Your parents probably told you that 80% of the body’s heat is lost through the head. While that has been proven to be no more than a myth, one thing is certain, wearing a hat will help keep you warmer. This reason is that you’ll have less skin exposed to the elements.
As for the body’s extremities (fingers and toes), take extra care to keep them warm. They’re among the first to lose blood flow and experience the effects of frostbite. While both options are preferred over nothing, mittens keep hands warmer by clustering the fingers together.
4. Hydrate Properly
While you may not think of it, dehydration is a real concern during cold weather. Not only does the cold, dry air strip our bodies of moisture, winter winds carry moisture away from the skin’s surface through the process of evaporation. Furthermore, we tend not to feel as thirsty in winter as we do in hot weather.
Dehydration makes it much harder for the body to maintain a safe core temperature. Drinking plenty of water and hot drinks (which hydrate and warm), even if you don’t feel thirsty will keep you well hydrated, making it easier for you to stay warm. Simply put, the more you have in your system, the easier it is to keep warm.
One drink you’ll want to avoid is alcohol. While a sip or two may give you a “warming” sensation, alcohol causes dehydration, which will make your body colder.
Although the weather outside is frightful, you don’t have to be shivering in the cold. These toasty tips will help you stay warm and safe no matter what activity you’re doing outside. For more ways to protect your health, just call us at 724-929-2300 today. We will tailor a health insurance policy to fit you and can do the comparing for you. You’ll save more than money when you go with CSC Insurance!