HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-12-24, Page 7With winter back and in fullswing, the time to gear up beforeheading outside is back as well. One common misconception aboutthe cold weather is that going outsidewill lead to cold or flu. While going
outside unprepared can certainly
result in illness, it can actually prove
beneficial to get out of the house
during the colder months.
Oftentimes, people spend ample
amounts of time indoors when the
weather gets cold. During the
holiday season, when many people
might stop in to visit family and
friends, this can prove dangerous, as
germs gather indoors. That said,
getting outside in the fresh air can
help fight off harmful germs that
might lead to cold or flu. When
heading outside this holiday season,
consider the following tips to ensureyou stay healthy and happy.GEAR UPUnless there’s a weather advisorywarning people to stay in, it’sperfectly alright for most people to
head outdoors during the cold
holiday season. However, the kind of
clothing worn is essential to ward off
cold and flu, especially for children.
* Avoid cotton clothing, because it
won’t keep kids very warm. Stick
with wool or other fabrics. Dress
them in long underwear, a
turtleneck, and a sweater and coat.
Add more layers depending on the
temperature. If they get too warm or
the top layer gets wet, they can
remove it one layer at a time.
Waterproof pants and jackets are
great top layers because they don’t
let the wetness seep into the otherclothing.* Make sure children wear a hatbecause most body heat is lostthrough the head. Have childrenkeep their ears covered at all times to
prevent frostbite.
* Dress children in warm socks
and waterproof boots that are roomy
enough for them to wiggle their toes
around, to keep feet dry.
BE CAUTIOUS WHEN
PLAYING OUTDOORS
Many families enjoy tackling the
winter weather together during the
holiday season. Whether it’s building
a holiday snowman together in the
front yard, visiting the nearby
outdoor ice skating rink or even
travelling together to choose the
holiday tree, it’s best to be cautious
when having holiday fun outdoors.
The following family activities are
popular during the holiday season,
but each carries with them their own
set of precautionary steps to take to
ensure everyone has fun and doesn’t
end up with fighting off the flu or a
cold.
When ice skating:
* Obey all signs posted on or near
the ice. Yellow signs usually mean
skate with caution, and red usually
means no skating allowed.
* Never go on the ice
unsupervised.
* Never assume it’s safe to skate
on a lake or pond. An adult should
make sure the ice is at least four
inches (10.16 cm) thick and check
with local weather authorities for
information about ice thickness.
* Avoid walking on ice near
moving water. Ice formed on moving
water, such as rivers and creeks, will
vary in thickness and is highly
unpredictable.
When skiing or snowboarding,
adults and children should:
* Take lessons from a qualified
skiing or snowboarding instructor.
* Never ski or snowboard alone.
* Parents should inspect
equipment every year for fit and
maintenance. Bindings should be
checked annually by a qualified
technician.
* Maintain control of speed. Many
injuries result from a loss of control.
Stunts and fatigue also lead to
injuries.
* Always wear a helmet with sidevents that allow skiiers andsnowboarders to hear others.* Wear wrist guards to reduce therisk of wrist injury.* Dress safely. Wear brightly
coloured clothing and warm hats and
mittens.
* Avoid icy hills. The risk of falls
and injuries increases in icy
conditions.
* Be fully aware of other skiers
and snowboarders as well as any
other obstacles on the slopes.
* Stay in designated areas and on
marked trails.
When sledding:
* Always wear either a ski or
hockey helmet -- not a bicycle
helmet -- while sledding.
* Never use a sled with sharp or
jagged edges.
* Make sure the handholds on the
sled are secure.
* Always sit up or kneel on a sled.Lying down increases the risk ofhead, spine, and abdominal injuries.* Never sled on or near roadways.* Look for shallow slopes that arefree of trees, fences or any other
obstacles.
* Avoid sledding on crowded
slopes.
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009. PAGE 7.Exercise caution when heading out for fun
Gliding to the holidays
The East Wawanosh students ended their last week at
school before the Christmas break with an afternoon of
skating at the Blyth Community Centre on Dec. 17. Craig
Raynard sped around the rink. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
Municipality of
Morris-Turnberry
HOLIDAY HOURS
Office Hours
Thursday, December 24, 2009 Office Closed
Friday, December 25, 2009 Office Closed
Monday, December 28, 2009 Office Closed
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday, December 31, 2009 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday, January 1, 2010 Office closed
Landfill Hours
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday, December 26, 2009 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday, January 2, 2010 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Curbside Pickup will take place as usual on
Wednesday, December 23, and December 30, 2009.
For further information please call the
Municipal Office 519-887-6137
Dublin Mercantile’s
Visit Us In
Ontario’s Furniture Village
59 Mill Street, Dublin, Ont.
(Located across from G G Goettler Of Dublin Fine Furniture)
519-345-9922 www.dublinmercantile.ca
Construction
Ph.:519-523-9354
Cell:519-525-8615
Custom
5" seamless eavestrough
in aluminum or steel
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