Winter safety
Sure, winter means no more worries about scraped knees from after-dinner bike rides or spraying on thick mists of insect repellant. But this chilly season has its own bundle of hazards too. Here's how to keep your kids safe when tumbling about in the outdoors.
Check the temperature
“If it's colder than -25C (-12F), or minus 28C (15 F) with the wind chill, it's too cold to stay outside,” says Dr. Danielle Grenier, the Ottawa-based Canadian Pediatric Society's medical affairs officer. But Dr. Grenier doesn't want to discourage outdoor play when the temperature dips. “If your kids usually go out for 30 or 40 minutes, send them out only for five or 10 minutes. They can always go back out again later,” she says.Wear warm layers of clothing
To keep warm, you and your kids should layer on clothing rather than pulling on the thickest parka you can find. “When you get moving outside, you can get quite warm. Then you sweat, get chilled and get thirsty,” says Dr. Grenier. “If you're wearing layers, you can remove one or two if you get hot.” A hat is a must. For warmth, choose mitts instead of gloves.Be careful of frostbite
Frostbite occurs when skin freezes because it isn't protected from cold temperatures. The affected area reddens, and then the skin starts to turn white, and may harden. The skin tingles or burns. “Watch the cheeks because that's usually where it starts,” says Dr. Grenier. Other common areas are nose, ears, fingers and toes. If you do suspect frostbite, get your child inside and cover the affected part with a hand (if the hands are affected, put them in the child's armpits to let the bodyheat warm them up). Don't use a heating pad or massage the area with snow (which is a common misconception). Some experts suggest immersing the affected area in warm water, but note that it can be quite painful. Call your child's doctor for further treatment.Use sunscreen
Smooth a layer of waterproof sunscreen on exposed skin. “In children, choose SPF 30 and above," says Dr. Grenier. Sunglasses are also a good idea. "Don't get the cheap ones," she says. Look for a pair with the UV rating marked on them, which indicates the glasses filter out harmful rays.Have a "be prepared" kit
Along with your standard car safety kit, pack non-perishable nutritious snacks (such as trail mix), water, warm blankets and a candle and matches. “If you're stranded in your vehicle, the candle can really help warm up the small space,” says Dr Grenier.Now that you're safe, have fun outside! Get tips on skiing, skating, plus find out how to plan a great ski vacation and other ways to have fun outside!
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