Canada is a beautiful country, and its diverse geography allows us to enjoy its beautiful landscapes, outdoor pursuits and of course, rich agricultural traditions such as wine making and farming. Our team at Milestone Health Services Halton loves going to local farms like Andrew’s Scenic Acres and Scotch Block Winery in the summer and harvest months.
The four seasons, however, also bring Winter, a cold and dry period that forces many of us to limit our exposure to the extreme temperatures.
Dry air and seniors’ health
We use indoor heating systems that vary from natural gas or wood to electricity. This causes the air in our homes to become dry. Seniors can be prone to several issues when the air in their home is too dry:
- Dry, irritated skin that can crack and become infected
- Worsening of eczema or psoriasis
- Breathing problems for asthmatics or anyone susceptible to bronchial infections or pneumonia
- Dry eyes can make conditions like glaucoma more painful
Any of these problems need to be addressed with care because elderly skin may be thin and susceptible to damage if treated ungently. Diabetes can also make infection more likely when caring for cracked skin on the feet or extremities.
Stay hydrated
Did you know that January is soup month? When the air is drier, our bodies need more fluids to replenish lost moisture. We can choose to simply drink more water, but soup is a delicious way to hydrate ourselves properly, and the best part is that most soups have a high nutritional value. We suggest avoiding high-sodium content soups and trying to make something from scratch, like the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s mushroom and roasted squash soup!
Tips on keeping indoor air healthy
There are several things that you can do to make your indoor environment safe, healthy and pleasant.
- Check the furnace air filter to make sure a new one has been installed
- Have air ducts and chimney sweeps cleaned annually
- Use a humidifier in bedrooms and living rooms to keep moisture in the air
- Allow air to circulate by opening windows and doors periodically
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor
How can Milestone Health Services Halton help?
Our team of qualified nurses and caregivers can help you winterise your lifestyle. We offer services in the comfort of your home, so you can stay healthy all winter long without making unnecessary trips to care centres in inclement weather.
- Foot care services
- Managing medication
- Housekeeping services to ensure clean surfaces and the safe storage of chemicals
- Personal care services such as bathing, application of creams and eyedrops
- Arrange for services such as duct cleaning
- Mobile physiotherapy to ensure your joints and muscles support you
Contact Milestone Health Services Halton for a complimentary in-home assessment at 1-888-509-9394 or 905-864-9020. You can also use our online contact form.