Heat Up for Health
Chilly rooms increase the risk of falls
THINKING OF SAVING A FEW DOLLARS
by turning the thermostat way way down this winter? You might be gambling with your own safety. A study in Age and Ageing found that after sitting for just 45 minutes in a chilly (15 C) room, women over 70 were at a higher risk of accidentally falling. That’s because as the temperature drops, so do muscle strength and speed, making it harder to avoid stumbling and falling or to carry out normal tasks of independent living.
Even younger people, say the researchers, lose some of their muscle strength when the temperature goes down. But these results are especially concerning for older people, as this age group is the most sedentary – and thus more likely to sit still for long periods of time without generating a lot of body heat.
Philip Ridge, a certified energy adviser in Toronto, points out that for homeowners looking to rescue their heating bills, there are many other solutions – such as blocking cold-air drafts. “Reducing drafts in your home is very inexpensive,” Ridge says. “But it takes time, and you have to find them.” They aren’t only around doors and windows but in potentially dozens of other places. “There are common areas such as baseboards, attic hatches and the electrical outlets on your outside walls.” He says they’re easily repaired with foam strips, caulking or other supplies available from the hardware store.
“It also really helps to put a blanket around your hot water tank and wrap a foam insulator around the first six feet of pipe,” Ridge adds. If you have window curtains, close them at night. Because these techniques help prevent heat loss, you’ll lower your heating costs without lowering your thermostat.
And get off the couch! The researchers behind the Age and Ageing study say getting up and moving around – instead of sitting still for hours – is another healthy way to keep your body warm.