This morning’s bright sunshine on the dusting of snow while beautiful, is deceiving.  The temperature at 9 a.m. in Gloucester MA was only 4º!  Todays  weather forecast predicts a high of 18º.

‘Polar Vortex.’  The National Weather service describes this as “a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter.”

The Bright Side. I actually feel lucky, considering what parts of the midwest are enduring  – dangerously cold temperatures of subzero, up to 40º below with the wind chill factor in some areas. Many businesses and schools are closed. At 40º, exposed skin can suffer frost bite within 5 minutes of exposure.

Check on Elderly Family and Neighbors. Being outside or even in a cold house can lead to hypothermia, a body temperature of 95°F or lower. Hypothermia can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver disease or even death. Cold weather extremes are especially detrimental for children, the elderly and anyone with cardiac and pulmonary disease. If you have underlying health issues, talk to your doctor about winter safety. Here are steps to lower your chance of getting hypothermia from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” — Mark Twain

My Weather Prediction – More snow to come. 🙂 Fortunately, last night’s squall only brought a dusting of snow on Cape Ann, but winter is not over yet. Here are some safety tips for shoveling and safe snow blowing for the next snow storm. Call a snow plowing company now to schedule their service. By the time a snow storm arrives, they might be fully booked! 

Do you have a favorite snow plow company? Let GMG know. 

Safety Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep you safe in these extreme weather conditions.

Traveling in Winter. Today is a good day to stay indoors, relax and enjoy a cup of hot tea, but If you do have to get out in the cold or travel, here are some Tips for Traveling in Cold Weather. 

During Extreme Weather. If possible stay indoors and enjoy a cup of tea, otherwise follow the safety guidelines from the CDC, NIH and your physician.

The Good News – Spring is only 48 days away! 

~ Karen Pischke

Sources and More Information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• National Safety Council
• National Weather Service
• Weather Underground

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Author, Speaker, Nurse Researcher, Photographer. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate, advocate for, and empower you in your healthcare goals. Providing evidence-based integrative healthcare services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving overall health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook

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