11 Oct 2011
Layering: When you wear several layers of clothes, you keep a layer of dead air space so that heat is trapped in the body. Each layer will provide a certain amount of dead space, so layering allows you to increase or decrease the space. Wear a thermal garment as a base layer and a wind- and water-resistant jacket on top. What you choose to wear in-between will depend on the climate of the destination and type of activity.
Layering is especially important when engaging in winter sports. Wearing warm clothes may result in over-heating, which causes a person to perspire and lose heat faster. One can also lose a fair amount of water through perspiration, leading to dehydration. Layering allows you to easily remove the different layers according to temperature changes.
Hydrate: The cold temperature may cause one to pass more urine. With more fluid loss, there is a need to drink more water to prevent dehydration.
Get your flu vaccination: People tend to catch the flu during winter. A flu jab could prevent a holiday from being ruined.
Take it slow: Winter sports take place at high altitudes which may result in altitude sickness. So even if you are physically fit, take it easy on the first day to allow for acclimatisation.
Source: Dr Limin Wijaya, consultant, department of infectious diseases, Singapore General Hospital
Click for jpeg format
« Back to previous
page
back to top