Beyond the cold: not-so-obvious wintertime hazards

When you hear “winter safety,” preventing hypothermia probably comes to mind. And it should!

But cold weather brings other hazards, too – some that you may not be aware of.

Here are a handful to keep in mind.

Higher blood sugar levels

Know anyone who has diabetes? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cold stress can trigger the body to pump out stress hormones such as cortisol. That, in turn, can reduce the amount of insulin produced in the body.

“Because insulin helps the body’s cells absorb blood sugar, having less insulin means that more sugar remains in the blood,” the CDC cautions. “Stress hormones also stimulate your liver to make and release more blood sugar, and your blood sugar levels go up.”

UV rays

Sunscreen in the winter? Yep. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are harmful this time of year, too.

Plus, snow on the ground is a significant factor in UV exposure because it can reflect up to 80% of those rays. The hazards are heightened if you’re someone who skis or snowboards at higher elevations, The Skin Cancer Foundation says.

You can protect yourself by covering up (which you’re probably already doing). A wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses will complete your sun-safe winter attire.

As for sunscreen, use “broad-spectrum sunscreen” with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 or higher each day. And don’t forget to apply it to your ears, neck, hands and any other exposed areas. Reapply every two hours.

“Consider choosing a moisturizing sunscreen with ingredients like lanolin or glycerin to combat dry winter skin,” the SCF adds.

Dehydration

We hear lots of reminders to drink water during the summer, but – you guessed it – dehydration is a wintertime issue as well.

While we often lose water to sweating, we can also lose water when breathing out. In the winter months, that loss of water via exhaling can increase because of lower humidity, according to the Denver Health hospital system.

In addition, the dry skin we often experience in winter makes our bodies less efficient at retaining water.

“Finally, the cold tends to diminish the thirst reflex, resulting in less of an impulse to drink than when it’s warm,” the hospital says. “All of these factors combined can lead people to be chronically dehydrated during the long winter months.”

Carbon monoxide

Space heaters and other devices such as furnaces and portable generators can release carbon monoxide – an odorless and colorless gas that can be deadly – if not properly maintained and monitored.

Your car can also be a source of carbon monoxide. Snow can block exhaust vents and cause carbon monoxide to build up. Also, a clogged tailpipe in your car can cause the gas to get trapped inside your vehicle.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recommends checking your car’s tailpipes and undercarriage to make sure they’re free of snow before starting the engine, and rolling your window down slightly. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness and nausea.

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, get out immediately and call 911 from your cellphone or a neighbor’s home.

To protect yourself and your family, install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home – especially near bedrooms. And be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommendations for checking the alarms and changing the batteries.

Slips, trips and falls

Did you know that it takes less than a quarter of an inch of ice on sidewalks and walkways to make them dangerous? It’s a fact, the National Weather Service says.

That’s why it’s important to clear snow from walkways, stairs and driveways and put down salt or another melting agent if there’s ice.

The Mayo Clinic has more tips to prevent slips, trips and falls:

• Take your time when walking.
• Use handrails when on the stairs.
• Wear nonslip footwear.

“Be sure you have a pair of lightweight boots with good support,” the Mayo Clinic says. “You also can purchase snow grips for the bottoms of your shoes or boots.”