Depending on where you live in our great province, surviving winter means dealing with snow, rain, slush, or some combination of the three. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Here are a few warm and friendly reminders for navigating your neighbourhood in sub-zero temperatures, finding local events to keep active, and staying safe.
1. Layer Up
Wear layers that will retain heat while allowing your body to breathe. Choose a light base layer, a thick medium layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Wet clothing greatly increases heat loss, so find base layers that wick away moisture—cotton, nylon and polypropylene fabrics are favourites. When the temperature does drop, make sure to add layers: blankets, hats, gloves, and scarves. And don’t forget about those toes—boots are worth it!
2. Plan Your Route
Your favourite way to work may not be so accessible in the snow, your bus may be late, or your parking spot may be flooded. In metro Vancouver, check Translink.ca for up-to-date information. In other parts of BC, see if your public transit has a website, Twitter, or Facebook page (social media often gets updated faster than local news). Ensure your vehicle is safe, obey winter tire and chain signs, and check out DriveBC.ca before you head out!
3. Be Prepared
It’s the Scouts motto for a reason. Always be prepared for adverse weather conditions by packing an emergency vehicle kit (flashlights, blankets, and reflective cones are a good start) and an emergency home kit (food, water, a radio and first aid supplies are must-haves). Store-bought kits can be useful, but they often lack the SCI-specific necessities you may need—an extra chair battery, medications, and adaptive equipment.
4. Take Your Vitamin D
The number of sunny days in BC dramatically decreases during winter, so it’s important to get enough vitamin D. Consult with your doctor about this and any other winter health worries you may have. Fill your prescriptions ahead of time in case the weather makes it impossible to travel (tip: many pharmacies offer online renewal). Finally, pay attention to what your body tells you during the winter—even small changes may be important!
5. Stay Active & Healthy
There’s nothing quite like staying physically active to help you breeze through winter. Possibilities include SCI BC’s wheelchair rugby and basketball programs, and staying fit at home (check out SCI Action Canada’s Get Fit toolkit at sciactioncanada.ca/guidelines/toolkit). And don’t forget to eat healthy. Consider attending an SCI BC cooking class or check out our nutritional recipes online at www.sci-bc.ca.
6. Stay Engaged
During dark and dreary months, try to stay socially active. See our BC Events Map or visit www.sci-bc.ca/events for ideas. Stay positive by setting small, achievable goals daily. If you can’t travel, stretch those brain muscles with books, puzzles, games, crafting, knitting, writing, or woodworking. And do as the Scandinavians do—embrace winter by enjoying comfort food, cozy nights with candles, and the company of good friends and family.
7. Check Your Ride
Squeaks? Steering issues? Flat tires? If your chair has a problem, winter will surely make it worse. To avoid the stress of being stuck in a snowdrift, follow these winter wheelchair tips:
- Charge your battery regularly
- Change to winter tires—extra tread means more grip on slippery surfaces
- Inspect your chair frame and electrical connections often
- Remove debris from the axle housing
- Get a patch kit and learn how to use it
- Check your tire pressure
- Be aware of black ice, deep puddles and unpacked snow.
8. Ask For Help
Maybe you need a ride, an extra set of hands, or a visit from a friend. There’s no shame in asking for a little TLC from those around you. Practicing the buddy system may sound old school, but travelling with someone, or having someone you’re able to reach by phone at any time, is one of the best ways to prepare for winter. If this seems difficult, SCI BC’s toll-free InfoLine (1-800-689-2477) is happy to help—ask away.
9. Be Seen
The low light, darkness and wild weather makes being seen an important safety priority in the winter months. Wear high-visibility clothing, add reflectors to jackets and bags, and consider adding TetraLites to your wheelchair, scooter or handcycle.
This article first appeared in our Winter 2016 issue of The Spin, alongside other stories including:
- Doggone Dilemma
- “Call Me Taylor”
- Royal Style
- Golden Girl: MLA Michelle Stilwell
- and more!
Read the full Winter 2016 issue of The Spin online!
