Here in the Midwest, we are preparing for what the newscasters refer to as an "Artic Blast." That basically means our normally moderately cold temperatures are about to get super cold...subzero, in fact. In some areas, temperatures are expected to reach 50 degrees below zero, with wind chill factor. Wind chill is another way to say, it may be only 20 degrees below zero, but it feels like it is 50 degrees below zero. Either way, it's too cold for comfort.
Of course, we are all making plans to stay warm over the next few days. I am making sure we have plenty of blankets and hot water. I even double checked this morning that my dogs' sweaters are ready to go. (Yes, my dogs wear sweaters, and they like them!) I am making sure I have a good supply of coffee and tea and soup and whatever warms my soul, my hands, and my feet.
One way to warm up is by walking. I am sure some people thought this was going to be about warming up for other exercises...and walking is good for that, too. Warming up loosens the muscles and gets them ready to be stretched or utilized and reduces injuries. I am talking about actually warming up your body. Walking, like many types of exercise, can increase your body temperature and make you feel warmer.
Whenever we see pictures or film of someone who is cold, they are usually huddled in a ball shivering. Shivering is actually the body's response to being cold. The body is saying, "Hey, you have to move to get warm." Moving around does keep you warm. Then, when your body gets too warm, it starts to sweat, and says back to you, "Hey, you need to cool off a little. Here's some sweat to help you cool down."
Because it's supposed to be cold this week, my goal is to use my 5,000 steps a day to stay warm. On those days that I am complaining about the cold weather outside, I am going to keep moving around inside. By doing so, I am keeping my body temperature up and improving my circulation at the same time. The more I walk inside every day -- the closer I know I am to Spring and being able to walk outside again. My plan is to stay warm and walk through this winter!
Of course, we are all making plans to stay warm over the next few days. I am making sure we have plenty of blankets and hot water. I even double checked this morning that my dogs' sweaters are ready to go. (Yes, my dogs wear sweaters, and they like them!) I am making sure I have a good supply of coffee and tea and soup and whatever warms my soul, my hands, and my feet.
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| Photo by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH |
One way to warm up is by walking. I am sure some people thought this was going to be about warming up for other exercises...and walking is good for that, too. Warming up loosens the muscles and gets them ready to be stretched or utilized and reduces injuries. I am talking about actually warming up your body. Walking, like many types of exercise, can increase your body temperature and make you feel warmer.
Whenever we see pictures or film of someone who is cold, they are usually huddled in a ball shivering. Shivering is actually the body's response to being cold. The body is saying, "Hey, you have to move to get warm." Moving around does keep you warm. Then, when your body gets too warm, it starts to sweat, and says back to you, "Hey, you need to cool off a little. Here's some sweat to help you cool down."
Because it's supposed to be cold this week, my goal is to use my 5,000 steps a day to stay warm. On those days that I am complaining about the cold weather outside, I am going to keep moving around inside. By doing so, I am keeping my body temperature up and improving my circulation at the same time. The more I walk inside every day -- the closer I know I am to Spring and being able to walk outside again. My plan is to stay warm and walk through this winter!
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