Winter is almost here, and as the weather gets colder, many people use it as an excuse to stay inside and on the couch. But if you don’t want to wonder what happened to your fitness goals when spring comes around, now is the time to start preparing. Here’s what you need to know to comfortably enjoy outdoor exercise in low temperatures. First, there’s good news: Your chance of frostbite in 5 degree F weather is less than 5%. So, outdoor exercise is perfectly safe most days of the year. Just stay inside when there’s a particularly nasty wind chill and don’t exercise on icy surfaces. But while you probably won’t be hurt by outdoor winter exercise, there’s no denying it can be unpleasant if you aren’t prepared. One school of thought suggests there’s no bad weather, only poorly chosen clothing. So, if you want to exercise outdoors in the winter, you must set yourself up for success with the proper gear. Dress in layers and put them on in the correct order. Opt for a moisture-wicking material as your bottom layer, then add a warm insulating layer, followed by a wind and water-resistant jacket on top. Remove items as you get warmer so you don’t trap sweat. Also, remember the wool socks, gloves, and hat. Another way to keep yourself comfortable during an outdoor workout is to warm up longer before beginning. Exercise in cold weather makes strains and sprains more likely, and a warmup will keep you safer. Plus, the additional movement before heading outdoors will help the temperature change feel less jarring. You’ll want to protect your skin from the harsh air. One of the best ways to do that is by staying hydrated. Though it sounds obvious, many people feel less thirsty when exercising in the cold and don’t drink enough water. Also, moisturize regularly and protect your nostrils and lips from the wind with petroleum jelly or Carmex. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen — if skiers can get a sunburn, so can you!
STAYING ACTIVE IN COLD WEATHER Come Out and Play
A PATIENT’S PARENTS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE SPECIAL NEEDS, SPECIAL APPROACH
When Robert developed a large growth near his tear duct, his parents were understandably concerned. Pam and Robert Sr. took their 28-year-old son, who has Down’s syndrome, to an optometrist who put Robert on eyedrops. But when the growth came back, the optometrist provided referrals to several ophthalmologists. At first, Robert’s parents weren’t sure Eye Plastic Associates was right for their son, assuming the practice focused on cosmetic work. They reconsidered after reviewing Dr. Scott’s education and reviews, and Pam said their faith was rewarded during that first visit. “Everyone in the office was really nice and helpful, interested in Robert, and very patient,” she says. “Because of his Down’s syndrome, he needs things explained to him a little bit more.” “You need a novel approach,” Robert Sr. added, “because just saying ‘open your eyes’ or ‘please look to the left’ doesn’t work for our son. He doesn’t understand all the requests, and you have to encourage him differently.” Additionally, “Robert is a bit of a challenge,” his father says, “and many doctors get easily frustrated with him, but Dr. Scott and his staff were extremely patient. There was no frustration or agitation in their voices or approach.”
During their first visit, Dr. Scott explained that Robert’s growth was on the eye, not the eyelid like they’d thought. That was “absolutely terrifying,” Pam says, “because you don’t want someone to cut into your kid’s eyeball!” But she says Dr. Scott was reassuring throughout the entire process. “He didn’t mind any of my questions, and I never felt rushed or concerned about him listening to me,” Pam remembers. Robert’s parents appreciated that Dr. Scott arranged for both of them to be at the hospital for the surgery, and he explained the procedure and recovery time in detail. Throughout the process, he was also mindful of Robert’s medical conditions, including Type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, and celiac disease. “Because of Dr. Scott, Robert is alive and well and has two eyes he can use to see,” Pam says. “As a parent of a special needs child, it’s not easy to find a doctor who can relate well to them and really gain our trust,” Pam adds, “but Dr. Scott and his whole staff did a great job.”
Robert Sr. agrees. “I’m so glad we chose Dr. Scott,” he says, “because he was the perfect fit for our son.”
2 EyePlasticMD.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator