- Protect your head – We lose a lot of body heat through our head- by some accounts up to 40%. Wear a wicking hat to keep the sweat off your scalp and don’t be shy about using a scarf to protect you from the wind.
- Protect your skin– If it’s really that cold and blustery, cover everything! Wind chapped lips can keep you from enjoying your mountain bike just the same as wind chapped hands. Vaseline is your friend in the winter!
- Adjust your medications– Cold weather makes it more difficult for your body to exchange gases- ie its harder to breathe! Covering your mouth to warm the air a bit before it enters your lungs can help, but don’t forget to warm up and cool down- it’s not just your muscles, but also your lungs that need the warm up! I use my inhaler much more in the cold weather.
- Don’t overdress– Sure layers are important, but remember that if you’re active your body will heat up. Wear a windproof layer on the outside to cut down on the Dress appropriately, it’s hard to run with an extra fleece.
- Don’t forget your feet– Summer weight socks may not protect your toes from the cold. Think about doubling your socks or get heavier weight socks for winter activities.
- Shower immediately– Ok this may be too personal, but don’t hang around the house in your sweaty layers. Wet, moist skin is a breading ground for bacteria. Add winter’s multiple layers and you could be looking at a serious skin infection.
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