Staying Safe in the Winter with PD
- Stephanie Soto
- Dec 21
- 3 min read
Brrrr it is cold outside! Winter is here and it is staying for the next few months. Living in the Capital Area means that our winters can be tricky. Many people decide to leave the area for warmer weather because managing snow, ice, and the cold is tough. For those who decide to stick it out with the rest of us, below are a few tips on how to stay safe this winter.
Stay warm
This may sound like common sense but, PD affects our nervous system which controls our body temperature. Staying warm can be hard to do. Here are a few tips.
Wear lots of layers
Wear cotton, wool, or fleece synthetic fibers
Wear socks to bed at night (unless you are prone to night sweats).
Set your heat to come on just before you get out of bed in the morning.
Never run low on medicine
We know how unpredictable the weather can be. Make sure you always have enough medication to get you through a few days of unforeseen weather that will make traveling hard. If you are running low and there is a storm coming, call your pharmacy to check on their hours during the storm.
Stay active
People tend to be less active in the winter months, but it is crucial that you continue to exercise your mind and body. Here are a few tips to keep moving.
Join online exercise classes or ask your physical therapist to help create a home exercise program during the colder months if you do not want to travel outdoors.
If you are able to, purchase a stationary bike to ensure you are getting enough cardiovascular exercise.
Ask your friends and family to keep you accountable with your exercise. It is so easy to hibernate in the winter, so asking loved ones to check in on your fitness journey will help.
Maintain a schedule. Choose a specific time/day(s) that you will exercise so it is part of your routine. It is much easier to motivate yourself to exercise if you are in a routine.
No falls
People with PD tend to have balance impairments. That mixed with ice or snow can lead to an increase in falls. Below are a few pointers to reduce your fall risk.
Always wear shoes with traction.
If you are going to an event that requires a dressier shoe i.e. heels, bring the shoes with you to change into after you safely made it to the event space.
Make sure your assistive device is still adequate. Wear and tear on these devices are normal, but you don't want to walk out with a device that may not be as sturdy as it once was.
Give yourself extra time. Rushing may lead to worsening of balance and a fall.
Look before you step. When getting out of the car or walking out of a building, look around and see what the surface you will be walking on looks like.
Ask for help. You can always ask someone for assistance if you do not feel safe.
Source
Help for Parkinson's is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and every dollar we receive goes directly to programs and resources that assist people with Parkinson's in living well. Our progress in such a short time is thanks to generous donations from people like you and me. If you haven't donated yet, encourage you to consider doing so. With your help, support, and participation, the Capital District. Parkinson’s community has made significant progress this past year. With the support of the Parkinson’s Community and our friends, there is still so much more we can do to help those living with this progressive disease thrive and enjoy their best possible lives!