Trusted Bronx Nursing Home, Gold Crest Care Center, Urges Seniors To Prepare For Winter Weather and Offers Tips For Staying Safe In Winter Months

BRONX, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold Crest Care Center, a trusted Bronx nursing home for over a decade, urges senior citizens to prepare for the winter weather in advance to avoid injury and illness. Weather reports are predicting a winter season full of snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Slippery sidewalks and extreme drops in temperature can put senior citizens at an increased risk for a host of illnesses and injuries. Gold Crest Care Center has conferred with the facility's board certified physicians to compile a list of winter safety tips for senior citizens.

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"Winter can be the most dangerous season for senior citizens. Between the incredible drops in temperature and the snowy sidewalks and walkways, the season offers incredible beauty and a host of opportunities for injury. Seniors looking to make it through the season safely should prepare ahead of time. Our board certified physicians have created a set of guidelines for seniors to use in the upcoming months. Preparing in advance allows you and your loved ones to enjoy the weather without danger," says Mark Salamon, of Gold Crest Care Center.

Tips for staying safe through the winter season:

1. Avoid Falls: Falls are the leading cause of injury in people over the age of 55. With sidewalks, streets, driveways and roadways covered in snow and ice, the risk of falling increases dramatically. The key to staying upright in the winter months is proper foot attire. Residents of NYC nursing homes, and their loved ones, are urged to invest in sturdy shoes with good traction and non-skid soles. Seniors are also reminded to replace worn cane tips with new ones to ease their walking. Always remove shoes once inside to avoid slipping on wet, melted snow from the bottom of shoes' soles.

2. Dress For The Weather: Without proper clothing, drops in temperature can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. The Center for Disease Control reports that more than half of last year's hypothermia related deaths were in people over the age of 65. Avoid illness by layering clothing. Invest in warm socks, a heavy coat, a proper hat, a pair of gloves and a scarf. Take the time layer each item before leaving the house. Also, use the scarf to cover the mouth during windy periods to protect lung function.

3. Prepare For Power Outages: Storms and blizzards can result in borough wide power outages. Prepare ahead of time. Stock the house or apartment with flashlights and a battery powered radio. Keep floor surfaces clear to avoid tripping over clutter. Keep a supply of non-perishable foods in the pantry or closet in case of prolonged outages that result in spoiled food. Layer clothing indoors to stay warm without the heater. Finally, move around frequently to generate body heat.
To learn more about how to stay safe during the winter season, or to speak to a Gold Crest Care Center physician, please call the Bronx Rehabilitation Center at 718.882.6400 or visit the company's website at www.goldcrestcc.com. Gold Crest Care Center can also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/GoldCrestCareCenter.

Contact Info:
Mark Salamon, LNHA
Gold Crest Care Center
2316 Bruner Ave
Bronx, NY 10469
Phone: (718) 882-6400 x 217
Fax: (718) 228-2511

SOURCE Gold Crest Care Center