1:32 a.m. - 2002-10-30
Winter Wonders
I was thinking of the scorpion lady today - the one who writes the "how to" column. I thought I'd return the favour although it's not likely she'll see it.
I was preparing to go out walking this morning - the temperature was 0F/-17C. Coolish. Winter is setting in. For anyone not familiar with this climate it can make a mess of one's body in short order. How to stay warm and comfortable.
80% of all body heat escapes from the head - keep it covered. In the above temperature range a headband, ball cap, or cowboy hat will do just fine. If it's colder than that or there is a high wind chill - wind speed times temperature = equivalent temperatures that are significantly colder - then think earmuffs, toque, balaclavas. If fashion is a big thing with you, think Lara in the movie Dr. Zhivago - wool wraps, felt hats, or fur. Throw a scarf around your neck and tuck it in your coat across the front of your chest - added insulation. Scarves come in all shapes and sizes - make it your own personal fashion statement.
When breathing KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT. Breathing through your nose means the air is warmed up before it reaches your lungs. Lung tissue is very delicate and can freeze quickly. Like brain cells once it's damaged it doesn't regenerate. In the short term, if you breath through your mouth you end up with respiratory distress or pleurisy, but it's the long term stuff you don't want to deal with. Besides that, most people look kind of silly with their mouths hanging open.
Winter air is very drying. It is desert-like in a contrary sort of way, which makes sense since frozen water, aka snow, is not going to be absorbed by your skin unless you're already cryogenically frozen. Use lots of moisturizer on feet, hands, and face. Make certain it's not water based or it will freeze in the pores and crack your skin - the same process as erosion for rocks - just not a pretty sight. Apparently, some Russian women have extraordinarily soft skin because they use bear grease, but the downside is it reeks and there is that issue of conservation to think about. Anything with lanolin or glycerine would work or, if you have allergies to those like me, you can try a zinc ointment or petroleum jelly. The added benefit of the petroleum jelly on hands and feet is that it also acts as waterproofing and an extra layer of insulation. Use a good moisturizer on your hair too. A lot of men grow beards in the winter for added insulation and that "rugged mountain man" look. Both genders tend to let their hair grow longer - covering the ears is really important. In WWII human hair was harvested to line winter army gear and line the boots of submarine crews because of its insulating properties.
If it's colder than minus 20 C remember that skin can freeze in less than a minute. Vanity can cost you body parts, especially ears, fingers, and toes. Gloves are fine for the above temperature but mittens trap the heat between fingers and keep hands warmer. In very cold weather wear mittens over the gloves so that if you need more mobility than a mitten allows - for example unlocking a door - at least there is some protection. Again, if fashion is an issue think skater's muff, but heaven help you if you trip. Boots should be checked for the grip/traction they offer. Make sure the soles are rubber or leather. Plastic freezes and cracks - so will your feet if that's what you are wearing. Most adolescents around here wear runners - high tops - with extra socks and that will do for most days. When it's really cold you can lose the feeling in your feet very quickly. One easy trick to keep the blood circulating and yourself warm is to sprinkle a little cayenne pepper into the footwear and mitts before putting them on - just a little or you'll have sweat pouring off you then freezing to your skin. If you're in the city, boots should reach at least over your ankles. If you have to leave a paved area then better to have kneelength; this can include cowboys boots of course, for the fashion conscious, but make certain you can fit at least one, or better two, pairs of socks in them - first layer cotton, the second layer wool.
Oh yeah, the rest of the body. Again we go back to the desert idea. There one dresses in layers to trap the cool air close to the body; in wintery weather the layers keeps the warm air in. In both cases natural fabrics generally work best, it's just a matter of type. There's no reason, for example, that a woman can't wear silk or lace as long as it's closest to the skin. Leave a hint showing and add a little mystery if you will. Dancer's leggings over silk/nylon stockings can look pretty too albeit most women here are more pragmatic and wear jeans while travelling, switching to a skirt when safely inside. For the guys, undershirts and long johns under their regular attire or wool suits work if they are so inclined. Finally, from inside out wear cotton or linen, then wools, with down lined garments,leather or sheepskin for the outer layer as the temperature dictates.
Sounds like a lot of clothing, but the upside is if you fall on the ice you bounce, no one worries about any figure flaws for a few months, and if you're in bear country they have to chew a long time before they reach you.
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