Cold weather doesn’t have to slow you down. Exercise has benefits all year, even during winter. But before you brave the cold, take a few extra steps to stay safe. Exposure to cold can cause health problems such as hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature.

Follow these tips to stay safe in the cold:

Dress in layers.

• Start with a synthetic material, like polypropylene, against your skin. It will draw the sweat away from your body and dry quickly.
• For the second layer, select wool or cotton to soak up moisture.
• Choose the third layer for its ability to keep the cold air and rain out, something lightweight and waterproof.

 Don’t lose your head.

• Wear a hat to avoid losing heat through your head.
• Protect your feet. Insulate them with warm socks and keep them dry.
• Choose mittens over gloves because the fingers can warm each other.

Drink up.

• Drink before you feel thirsty. You can become dehydrated in the cold. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.
• Water is readily available, inexpensive and exactly what your body needs.
• Drink water before you go out and bring some with you.
• If your lips are chapped, this means you need more water.

Don’t overdo it.

• Cold is a stress on the body. So is exercise. Together they may be too much.
• Start slowly by warming up your muscles first. Try walking or light arm pumping before you go out.

Watch for hypothermia.

• Signs of hypothermia include cold feet and hands, swollen face, pale skin, shivering, slurring words, acting sleepy and being confused or angry.
• Be on the lookout for later signs of hypothermia: moving slowly, trouble walking, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing and blacking out.
• Call 911 right away if you think someone might have hypothermia. Get the person inside and wrap him or her in a warm blanket.