By Lori Shelton, PA-C, General Booth Pediatrics
Children should get an hour of physical activity each day, but this can be difficult to do during the winter months when it’s cold outside and the sun sets earlier than in the summer.
Children are also more vulnerable to the cold because of their smaller bodies. In fact, they might not realize when they are losing heat.
Here are some practical tips to keep your children warm when they head outside to play or exercise.
- Dress your child in layers to keep them dry and help prevent overheating.
- Don’t forget the essential accessories: hats, gloves, and warm socks. Choose shoes with traction in case the ground outside is slippery.
- Make sure your child comes inside for regular breaks to warm up.
When it’s too cold for outdoor activities, try these indoor exercise options.
- If your children like video games, find one that incorporates movement, like dancing.
- Follow along with a workout video as a family.
- Turn exercise into a competition. Use a pedometer to encourage your child to reach as many steps as possible.
- Enroll your child in an indoor sport to keep them active during the colder months.
- Take your kids roller or ice skating. Always follow the safety rules posted at the rink.
Many kids enjoy playing outside with their friends, even during our region’s coldest days. Be sure to check your kids for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Frostbite happens when the skin begins to freeze. The skin might feel like it’s burning, numb, or develop blisters. Frostbite most often affects the fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Soak frostbitten skin in warm water or cover it with a damp washcloth. Do not rub the affected areas. If symptoms continue, call your child’s doctor.
- Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your child’s body temperature drops below normal. Call 911 immediately. Remove wet clothing and cover with dry clothing or blankets.
