image caption: smithandsmithpr
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. At one time or another, we’ve all dreamed of waking up to a winter wonderland and having a white christmas. We imagine ourselves frolicking in the snow and making snow angels. Rarely do we recall that it must be 32°F or less for it to snow. I repeat, 32 degrees Fahrenheit!
Unless you live in the North Pole, cold weather really isn’t your thing. If you ask me, I prefer 75 degrees and palm trees. Our bodies aren’t the biggest fans of cold weather either. If exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain, you can get hypothermia. Hypothermia is when the body gets colder and loses heat faster than it can make it. Body temperature, which is usually 98.6°F, can drop to as low as 50°F.
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“I’ll never let go, Jack. I’ll never let go.” If Rose shared that piece of wood with him, maybe Jack would have lived. But no, she completely hogged the makeshift floating device, while the love of her life froze to death in the icy, cold Atlantic Ocean. Remember what Jack was like before Rose had “let go?” He was shivering and his skin was blue-gray. Jack had a bad case of hypothermia. THANKS ROSE. Some other symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Lack of interest or concern (apathy).
- Poor judgment.
- Mild unsteadiness in balance or walking.
- Slurred speech.
- Numb hands and fingers and difficulty performing tasks.
“Treatment of mild hypothermia includes getting out of the cold or wet environment, using warm blankets, heaters, and hot water bottles. Moderate to severe hypothermia generally is treated in the hospital” (health.com).
One of my favorite parts about winter is getting to dress up in cute winter clothes (coats, scarves, earwarmers, beanies, boots, mittens, etc.). But seriously, how functional is that peacoat and scarf from Forever 21? REI has put together a guide on how to dress in layers:
- Base Layer: Keeps you dry by moving perspiration away from your skin and this helps regulate your body temperature. Ex. thermal underwear, tights, T-shirt, briefs, sports bras
- Insulating Layer: Helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Ex. polyester fleece vests, jackets and tights
- Shell Layer: Protects you from wind, rain, or snow. Ex. Water-proof/Water-resistant jackets
Stay warm this winter season and be fashionable and functional. Click here for a 30% off coupon on any REI-brand item!
And here are some more Christmas tunes to get you into the holiday spirit!
By ALYSSA LLAMAS
getPHYT 