How to stay warm this Winter in Rustenburg
For most of us in Rustenburg, Winter is the most unpleasant of the seasons for a number of reasons with the cold temperatures definitely in first position. Here are some practical tips to stay warm and to make Winter more bearable:
Dress Warm
Wear enough clothes and it is beneficial to dress in layers. A base layer of long underwear and wool/thermal socks will prevent the body from losing heat while an appropriate outer layer protects the body from outside cold.
Eat well and drink warm beverages
We have all experienced the pleasant, warm sensation after a nice home cooked meal in winter. The intake of enough calories will assist your body in maintaining its core temperature. While it is very tempting to eat lots of sugar for energy one should try to limit it and rather eat vegetables to stock up on vitamins and minerals and boost the immune system. For information on Restaurants in Rustenburg read more.
The same goes for drinks. While a nice alcoholic beverage might seem to be just the thing to keep the cold at bay, alcohol and caffeine actually lowers core body temperature. Warm beverages will raise core temperature and decaffeinated and herbal drinks are a good choice.
Exercise
Exercise is not high on our priority list in winter, but a good workout will definitely warm body and soul and being physically fit makes it easier to cope with cold. Join Wings Spinning for example.
Other useful tips
Some ways to stay warm include heaters, electric blankets, heating pads, microwave “pillows”, but as we are experiencing electricity shortages we have to explore some alternatives.
- Use the warmth of the sun to the maximum e.g. move furniture to sunny positions, open curtains to let sun in and close it in the afternoon to keep warmth inside.
- Put down rugs or carpets to prevent heat loss through the floor.
- Seal off places where cold could enter e.g. under doors or from windows not closing properly. Draft dodgers in front of doors are effective and to cover windows with shower curtains or clear plastic sheets is a custom from other countries which we could adopt in South Africa as it is cheap and effective. Contact Elegant Windows & Doors, Mighty Men Glass & Aluminium or North West Blinds for some assistance.
- Only heat necessary rooms and close unused rooms.
- Insulating your roof can also improve the temperature in your home and has the advantage of also helping with heat control in summer.
Snuggle up with a loved one
My favourite point of advice for this winter is to find a friend, loved one or pet to snuggle with. If you don’t have a pet the Rustenburg SPCA could help.
…And don’t forget to vaccinate
People more sensitive to cold than others include children under the age of two, people over the age of 60, people on drugs to treat high blood pressure, including alpha-blockers, beta-blockers and direct vasodilators and people suffering from some medical conditions such as hypo thyroidism.
Winter is synonymous with colds and flu and other cold related diseases which poses a real threat to some. A cold jab before winter is advisable, ask your doctor or pharmacist about it. Dr SJP Kruger Thuso Medicenters can assist.
Keep warm and be safe!