Essential Cold-Weather Tips for Seniors

Winter Storm Fern has delivered a historic and crippling blow to millions of seniors across the Southern U.S., where the storm’s massive 2,000-mile reach has brought unprecedented conditions to those unaccustomed to such extreme cold.

The bone-chilling blast of Fern is proving to be exceptionally dangerous to seniors across many ArchWell Health markets. When it comes to health priorities, chronic conditions, and medication management and safety, ArchWell Health’s expert care teams emphasize proactive self-preparedness.

Knowledge, Understanding & Action

Understanding the potential impact of adverse weather conditions can have on a senior’s existing health or chronic condition(s) provides the opportunity to move from a reactive state to a proactive, and potentially lifesaving one. Act and protect your personal health and safety:

• Monitor Heart Health: Cold weather constricts blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks by up to 30%. Avoid heavy exertion like shoveling snow, which can dangerously spike heart rate and blood pressure.

• Ensure Joint and Mobility Care: Arthritis often flares in cold, damp weather. Maintain gentle indoor movement to keep joints flexible and reduce stiffness that can lead to falls.

• Prevent Respiratory Flare-Ups: Cold, dry air can trigger asthma or lung irritation. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when outdoors to warm and humidify the air before it enters your lungs.

• Manage Diabetes and Thyroid Issues: These conditions can make it harder for the body to maintain its core temperature.

• Maintain Backup Power: If you use a power-dependent medical device (e.g., oxygen concentrator, CPAP), have a backup battery or a plan to relocate to a facility with a generator immediately if power fails. 

Medication management and safety are among the most critical survival factors for seniors during unforeseen events like the Winter Storm Fern. Proper management ensures that life-sustaining medications remain effective and accessible when normal living conditions are disrupted.

These tips can ensure your medication supplies remain sufficient, intact, and reliable:

• Secure a Multi-Day Supply of Your Medications: Ensure you have at least one-week to 30-day supply of all essential medications. If a State of Emergency is declared, many pharmacies allow for early refills. ArchWell Health can also assist with refill guidance and assistance.

• Be Cognizant of Medications Running Low: If your medication bottles run low and indicate you have no remaining refills, you can contact your ArchWell Health provider immediately to request a refill that will promptly be sent to your preferred pharmacy.

• Utilize Mail-Order Pharmacies for Future Readiness: For managing chronic conditions, mail-order pharmacies can be a highly efficient resource. These services often provide up to 100-day supplies and proactive refills, ensuring you have a significant buffer before a storm even begins.

• Protect Temperature-Sensitive Meds: Cold can degrade the effectiveness of drugs. Never leave medications in a cold car. For refrigerated medicines like insulin, prepare for power outages with an alternative like ice-packed coolers. In addition, Insulin and some refrigerated products can be safely stored at room temperature for a specific time frame. Check with your pharmacist on how long medications can last without being refrigerated.

• Consult Your ArchWell Health Physician on Body Heat: Some medications for blood pressure, anxiety, or depression can impair your body's ability to regulate temperature or increase sensitivity to cold. Your ArchWell Health provider can advise you on the most appropriate course of action for your condition(s).

• Avoid Medication Interactions: Be cautious with over-the-counter cold remedies, as they can interact poorly with prescription drugs for high blood pressure or other chronic conditions. The best course of action is to consult your ArchWell Health care team to ensure your safety.

• Keep Your Medication Records On-Hand & Ready: Work with your ArchWell Health care team to develop a written list of all current medications, dosages, and prescribing providers. Store this list in a waterproof bag to keep in your possession if you need to evacuate your home or temporarily relocate.

Additional Practical Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy During Inclement Weather

• Stay Hydrated & Nourished: Eat warm, high-energy meals like soup, rice, or oatmeal. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, as both can cause faster body heat loss.

• Activate a Support Network: Arrange for family and/or friends to check in on you via phone or text daily, or even twice daily. Stay connected with your ArchWell Health care team to communicate your status and also, to be updated on in-center activities and/or engagement. It is our commitment to ensure that no member is alone or without support.

• Layer Clothing for Warmth: Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing both indoors and out to trap body heat. Ensure extremities are protected with a hat, scarf, and mittens, which are warmer than gloves.

• Prevent Falls: Use the "penguin walk" on icy surfaces by taking small, slow steps with feet pointed slightly outward. Always wear boots with non-skid, rubber soles for better traction.

• Monitor Indoor Heat: Keep your thermostat set to at least 68°F to 70°F and move around frequently, if possible, to ensure you are staying active. Even mildly cool homes (60°F–65°F) can trigger hypothermia in seniors.

ArchWell Health is Here – “Call Us First”

We understand that facing a historic storm like Winter Storm Fern can be overwhelming for adults age 60+, especially in communities where these conditions are rare. Our members’ health and safety are our top priority and our expert primary care teams are here to serve as a vital resource, helping to always navigate health and chronic condition management and medication safety, especially during the most challenging weather events.

You are not alone in this storm—ArchWell Health is committed to providing the guidance, care, and support you need to stay safe, warm, and healthy.

We want all of our members to remember that if you have concerns about your health, medications, or anything else, please – “Call Us First.” Our “Call Us First” initiative is driven by ArchWell Health providers, and staff who encourage members to see us as a first resource for support, guidance, and care, no matter when or where a healthcare concern arises for any member.

You can do this by calling or visiting your local ArchWell Health center.