| 1. Avoid cotton. Cotton might feel great, but it's not a friend on
cold and windy days. Replace cotton with a wicking fabric. The material
helps take the sweat from the skin, keeping it drier. The drier the
skin, the warmer it will remain. Check for fabrics such as Drylete,
Gore-Tex, Cool Max, Akwatek, Varitherm and Polartec.
2. Protection. Take care of the extremities farthest from the body's
core; the head, hands and feet. Almost 50 percent of the body's heat can
be lost through an uncovered head. The same fabric technology mentioned
above can be found in caps, socks and gloves.
3. Layer it up. Do yourself the favor of wearing several layers. If
you get too hot, it's very easy to take off a layer.
4. Hydration. It is vital to stay hydrated while exploring the
outdoors, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration diminishes the
body's ability to regulate heat. Avoid drinking soda pop, coffee, hot
chocolate and other drinks with caffeine before and during your outdoor
adventures. They have caffeine, which speeds up the dehydration process.
Avoid alcohol as well. It helps dilate blood vessels and increases heat
loss.
5. Take extra time. The Colorado higher altitude will sneak up on you
and then hit you hard.
6. Warm up the muscles. Cold muscles lead to pulls and strains. Give
the body adequate time to warm up or get adjusted to the climate.
7. Be smart. Don’t get all manly and try to prove something. |
