March 09, 2010

Information & Safety Tips for Winter

Winter is a great time to walk. Outdoors, you can enjoy how clean everything looks with a fresh coat of snow, and you can enjoy the fresh Maine air. Indoors, you can continue your physical activity without fear of falling due to slippery surfaces!

Practice safe walking! Below are some tips to help you enjoy Healthy Maine Walks walking routes this season.

1. In cold weather, wear layers, boots and a warm hat. Layers keep you warm, but help prevent you from sweating.
2. Try to get outdoors midday when temperatures are warmer and the sun is out.
3. If outdoors, be aware of signs of frostbite or hypothermia: skin turning white, shivering, can’t warm up, slow pulse. Keep moving to keep warm, get indoors, wrap yourself in blankets or take a warm shower to warm up.
4. If it is dark or will become dark when walking, wear a reflective vest and carry a flashlight or wear a blinking light.
5. If you walk along the side of the road, always walk on the left side facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
6. Beware aware of your surroundings, including snow banks, ice and slush. Cars have poor visibility in the winter. They may not see you.

If you are just getting started with physical activity, start slowly with 5-10 minutes of walking and work your way up to 30 minutes each day. You can do your 30 minutes in three 10-minute blocks. Work up to 2 ½ hours of activity a week!