Shorter days, longer nights, cooler temperatures - they all indicate that winter is approaching. For many, the season means spending time in front of the fireplace and sipping hot cocoa. But for outdoor athletes, winter can mean a suffocating cabin fever for months of waiting for spring to come back.

 But whether skiing, hiking, cycling, or running is your sport of choice, experts should wear the right gear and clothing, and outdoor enthusiasts should not miss their favorite sport. is called. be careful. Ignoring common sense or lack of proper preparation can endanger life and limbs, even in moderate temperatures.

 Hypothermia and Freezing

 Hypothermia occurs when a person's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Celsius. Symptoms include vague speech, confusion, decreased breathing and heart rate, and an inability to walk in a straight line.

 From the New York City Hospital for Special Surgery, Dr. Also, take precautions against frostbite and windburn, says Brian Halpin. Halpin explains that sensitive areas like the genitals and exposed areas like the hands and face are prone to frostbite or frostbite of body parts.

 And it doesn't take long to feel the effects of the cold. Skiers need to consider the descent speed. This can add an air cooling element if it's already cold. Long walks and other long outdoor activities can lower your body temperature slowly and gradually. Water sports enthusiasts are particularly at risk when immersed in cold water which can become cold quickly.

 Clothes: old-fashioned tech

 Wearing appropriate clothing can make a big difference. Experienced river kayakers wear synthetic materials such as polypropylene and wool under the dry suit to keep their body virtually waterproof and airtight. The result is a comfortable cocoon, even on ice days.

 Forgey advocates for his old-fashioned method of stacking clothes. Usually, the thinnest layer goes to the skin. The best material is to remove the sweat from the skin and evaporate it. High-quality wool, polypropylene, and polyester. She recommends not wearing moisture-retaining silk, acrylic, or cotton.

 foods and liquids

 Bruce C says cold climates tend to increase calorie requirements. Paton, MD, Professor of Surgery at the University of Colorado and former President of the Wilderness Medical Society. However, this increase is only significant if you are engaged in the most intense activities. Unless you're climbing a mountain, 'most people are fine with a regular diet,' Paton says.

 Keep away from alcohsolutionsion. While the image of alcohol warming the mind is common on cold days, doctors advise athletes not to drink alcohol while exercising outdoors in cold weather. Nicholas Dinubilet, a member of the American Sports Medicine Orthopedic Association, states that alcohol causes the body to lose heat faster. Alcohol opens blood vessels in the skin and limbs and releases heat from the blood to the environment.