Tips for Staying Warm This Winter
Being cold is miserable. As we get closer to the wet and snowy season, finding ways to keep warm is more essential than ever. Use these tips to fight off the frost and stay comfortable this winter:
Dress the Part
Hats:
There’s an old myth that you lose more than half of your body heat through your head. The amount of heat lost is actually closer to the heat lost from the rest of your body. However, wearing a hat really does help you stay warm. Cover your ears and face for that extra boost of warmth and to protect against frost bite if you are outside during freezing weather.
Layers:
As cozy looking as a down jacket can be, layering is a top tip to regulating your body. Using thin layers allows you to add or remove what you need to stay comfortable. This helps your body stay dry, too.
In Auburn, the Seventh Day Adventist Church provides a closet on Mondays for unhoused individuals and sheltered individuals on Tuesdays. Here, you can find coats, jackets, shoes, and other cold-weather essentials based on availability. Learn more about this resource: https://www.aubsda.org/communityservices/
In Nevada County, the Hospitality House is a great resource for not only warm clothes but also a place to stay to get out of the cold for a bit at Utah’s Place. Learn more about this program: https://hhshelter.org/programs-services/utahs-place/
Shoes:
Waterproof shoes not only help keep the snow out but also limit the cold air coming in. This might make your feet extra sweaty so keep extra socks around just in case you need to switch them out. Dry feet are healthy feet.
Home Heat
Save a Coin:
Heating your home to a comfortable temperature might not be in the budget. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help. Learn more and see if you qualify: https://www.csd.ca.gov/pages/liheapprogram.aspx
Keep In the Heat:
Buildings with older windows and doors might need extra help keeping in the heat. Keep the curtains closed or covered with blankets to block the cold air seeping in. Another great tip is to block the cracks under doors with a rolled-up towel.
Get Crafty:
Did you know that you can make your own microwavable bean/rice hot pack bag? These are great to snuggle up with or put on some achy bones. Simply take an old sock, fill it with rice or pinto beans, and tie shut with string. If you are feeling extra fancy, add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil to give the pack a fresh scent. These can be microwaved in 30-second intervals until they reach the desired temperature.
Use Community Resources:
Hot Meals:
Is there anything more comforting than a hot meal on a cold day? Both Placer and Nevada Counties have resources such as the Interfaith Food Closet and the Food Bank of Nevada County to provide the essentials for preparing a tasty meal. For seniors, Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Visit https://cde.211connectingpoint.org/ for a complete list of resources available in your area.
Warming Shelters:
Get out of the cold and into a warming shelter where you can warm up, charge your devices, and enjoy the great indoors. Call 2-1-1 or visit them online at https://cde.211connectingpoint.org/ for current shelter openings.
Share the Care:
The KARE Crisis Nursery in Nevada City offers emergency childcare for young children experiencing a stressful or emergency situation. The KCN provides 24-hour care for children up to 6 years old for up to 30 days and up to 30 times in a 6-month period. Learn more about them here: https://www.karecrisisnursery.org/
This program is a part of the Ready 2 Grow resource, a First 5 Nevada County Program.
Reach Out
2-1-1
No matter the need, 2-1-1 is available 24/7 for updated resources in the Placer and Nevada County communities. Call 2-1-1 or visit them online at https://cde.211connectingpoint.org/
Contact Our Care Coordinators
At Chapa-De, we have dedicated Care Coordinators available to connect you to care in our clinics and resources in your community. Our team can be reached Monday-Friday | 8:00am-5:00pm at (530) 887-2800 (Auburn) or (530) 477-8545 (Grass Valley).
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
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