The Texas Heart Institute Suggests These Cold-Weather Exercise Guidelines

Exercising during the chilly winter months can keep you physically and emotionally healthier. But it's important to prepare for the changes in temperature.

The Texas Heart Institute suggests these cold-weather exercise guidelines:

• Gradually train and prepare for cold-weather activities.
• When exercising outdoors, dress in layers that you can remove and that pull sweat away from your body.
• Wear extra-warm socks, and protect your hands with gloves.
• Protect your head and neck with a hat or headband and scarf.
• Wear glasses or goggles to protect eyes, reflective gear if outside at night and always protect yourself with sunscreen during the day.
• If traveling to a higher altitude, give yourself a few days to adjust before exercising.
• Drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and familiarize yourself with symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.

-- Diana Kohnle