The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

winter

Your Guide to Staying Well in the Winter

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Whether it’s below-freezing temperatures, rising respiratory illnesses or dangerous driving conditions, the winter season can provide unique health challenges. Here’s how you and your family can stay well throughout the season.

Exercise, but with Caution

It’s important to maintain healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, throughout the year. Working out – especially outside – wards off winter weight gain and gives you energy, and there are many enjoyable outdoor activities to choose from, such as ice skating, cross-country skiing or even walking. Just 10 minutes of outdoor aerobic exercise boosts the endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin which improves mood and decreases the risk of seasonal affective disorder.

There are a few things to watch for with outdoor winter workouts, however. One early symptom of hypothermia, or low body temperature, is shivering, which can progress to slurred speech, decreased coordination, and confusion. Frostbite is injury caused by freezing, resulting in the loss of feeling and color of the nose, ears, fingers, and toes. And dehydration is an issue far too many overlook during the winter. The key is to drink water before, during, and after exercise, because while you might not sweat as much in the winter, you are still evaporating water.

Protect Your Heart

While it’s important to stay active, those with heart disease or other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of smoking, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease are advised to avoid shoveling, explains Dr. Gabriela Grasa, cardiologist with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates. Cold weather makes the arteries constrict and increases the blood’s ability to clot. The cold, combined with activity that may increase blood pressure – like shoveling snow and following it with a cup of hot caffeinated coffee to warm up afterward – could trigger a cardiac event.

Upgrade Your Skincare Routine

Lighter moisturizers may not be enough to protect your skin from winter’s harsh conditions, so consider switching to creams, balms or oils, advises Dr. Anisha Kumar, Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at White Plains Hospital. Look for facial cleansers that say “gentle” and “moisturizing” on the bottle, and avoid those that contain alcohol, as this can dry out your skin. If you have very dry skin, minimize use of exfoliants containing glycolic acid or retinol or use them only every other day. The sun’s UV rays can cause just as much damage to your skin in the winter as in the summer, especially if you are skiing, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day.

Boost Your Immunity

As we spend more time indoors, the spread of viruses such as the flu, COVID-19 and RSV tends to increase. Consult with your physician about which vaccinations are right for you: a new RSV vaccine is now available for select groups. There are plenty of additional protective measures you can take to boost your immunity, says Dr. Michael Finkelstein, Internal Medicine physician at Scarsdale Medical Group. Wash your hands regularly, avoid smoking, get plenty of sleep, and eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Vitamin C, found in most fruits and vegetables, helps heal wounds and repair and maintain healthy bones, teeth, skin and cartilage. Zinc can help control infections by slowing down the immune response and preventing runaway inflammation. Garlic has antibiotic properties that are effective in fighting a range of bacteria, fungi and viruses. However, anyone with a persistent cough, pain or other abnormal symptom should see their physician as soon as possible.

Stay Safe on the Road–and at Home

Winter weather can create hazardous driving conditions, so use caution when driving on snowy, slushy or icy pavement. If you start to skid, take your foot off the gas, then steer in the direction of the skid, so when your wheels regain traction, you don’t have to overcorrect to stay in your lane. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a portable cell phone charger, blankets, jumper cables, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable snacks, bottled water and a bag of salt, sand or cat litter for traction.

Heat your home safely by keeping your fireplace and/or furnace well-maintained. Make sure your chimney is in good condition and free of debris before using your fireplace. Have your gas furnace serviced regularly and install a carbon monoxide detector as a secondary safety measure.

The winter needn’t be an overly stressful time–as long as you keep health and safety top of mind. With the right attitude and proper precautions, you and your family can enjoy the best the season has to offer.

Need a physician? Call 914-849-MyMD to find the right provider for your needs.

10 Reasons Why Winter in Westchester Isn’t So Bad

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I have a sister who lives in LA. She’s a native New Yorker like me and she couldn’t be happier there. When we FaceTime on the phone she usually announces gleefully what the weather is there as she sees me all bundled up in my wool turtleneck sweater. “Well it’s 18 degrees here,” I reply. And then we discuss other things but without fail in every conversation, the weather comes up. I often wonder if I’d be happier on the West Coast and for now the answer is a resounding no. I like the change in seasons. There’s a certain beauty in a Hudson Valley winter (at least in the beginning before the umpteenth snow day). So here without further ado are ten reasons why winter in Westchester isn’t so bad.

1.Glistening snow – when that first snowfall happens before the snowplows come, it truly is a sight to see.

2.Building snowmen, making snow angels and snowball fights – if dressed appropriately, this is a lot of fun. I will admit that my kids have way more stamina for this than me. After a while I want to go back inside.

3.Baking – something about this weather makes me just love to bake. Especially on snow days.

4.Winter clothes – I know this may sound odd but I like my winter wardrobe so much more than my summer clothes. Wool, velvet, cashmere, shearling lined booties. Oh and I can’t forget pom pom hats.

5.Winter sports – I am one of those rare specimens who grew up in the Northeast and has never skied or tried snowboarding. But I have snowshoed (less chance of injury) and taking in the beauty of the season while outdoors is a special treat.

6.Holiday lights – I love it when folks deck their homes in holiday splendor. There are some pretty creative folks around here.

7.Snow days – The first few snow days I absolutely love. Now I realize this is a true luxury for me because I work from home and don’t have to worry about childcare or commuting in treacherous conditions but going back to sleep after the robocall and wearing PJs all day has its appeal.

8.The scent of winter – As a recreational runner with my dog, I’ll bundle myself up (and the dog too in his jacket) and run in weather as low as 25 degrees. It’s invigorating running outside, seeing my warm breath meet the cold air and taking in the scent of folks burning wood in their fireplaces. That’s New England personified to me.

9. Hot chocolate, hot toddies, hot soup – I like all of these. Need I say more?

10.Knowing that this too shall pass – This was my grandma’s favorite saying. The glistening snow, the icicles on the branches – they are all ephemeral. Spring is on its way before you know it.

Wishing you and your families a winter and holiday season filled with warmth and fun memories.

Snow Days Bring Winter Warmth and Community Bonding

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As my feet came out from under me and I started to fall backwards on the front stoop of my house the first thing I noticed was that time had started moving very slowly. My next thought was that this was not a good situation as I saw my unlaced sneakered feet elevate above the rest of me and found myself twisting slightly as my skull approached the waiting hard-brick top step. I didn’t feel panicked but was aware that there was something ridiculous about braining myself first thing in the morning while still in a bathrobe. Astoundingly, my body landed across the steps, as it would turn out, relatively unharmed. My head was the last body part to land and with acute clarity I felt it connect with the rock-hard surface about as gently as imaginable. As I lay there doing a toes to forehead assessment of any physical damage one thought crept through–I should have used more salt!

There are a myriad of realities to living in the snow-belt that is Westchester County north of 287. Better have all-wheel drive. A generator? Not a bad idea. Plow guy seems expensive and wakes your neighbors at 3 a.m. as they’ve communicated through strongly worded notes taped to your door? It’s still better than you shoveling the large wet snow-filled driveway and unwittingly flirting with your first heart-attack. May it only be mild.

The other big figurative snow-balls to contend with are the incessant snow days. In the past when the phone rang at 5 a.m. it was usually serious business. A health scare or worse. Fortunately, those shock-inducing calls were exceedingly rare. However, present day, anytime there is a hint of snow in the forecast you can expect the phone to ring at that same ungodly hour.

At best a two hour delay. Many of these calls result in full, no school, snow days. Which translates to no school for Bella and a day of professional productivity and otherwise being abruptly obliterated by a robo-call.

One morning early last winter the phone rang early and my wife dutifully answered it. I could tell by her expression that this was not going to be a two-hour delay. Outside the snow was steadily wafting downward and absolutely sticking. Ugh. I can’t recall specifically what I wouldn’t be accomplishing that day but I do remember being irritated that the heaven’s and Board of Education were annihilating my day.

Like any modern middle-aged man of responsibility I took my concerns to social media. The Facebook post went like this:

Like most kids I used to long for snow days which seemed exceedingly rare and elusive. The thought of sled-riding, pick-up snow football and a variety of potential misadventures all while not having to go to school made these days unbearably wonderful. Now, cynical and grizzled from life, I dread snow days like a looming medical procedure. There’s some kind of lesson here but I’m too engaged in my irritation to pursue it.

The comments and likes came quickly from friends, people I barely knew in high school and random acquaintances. The overwhelming theme was that I should stop being a snow-grinch and embrace the situation and the serendipitous opportunity of an unplanned day with my family.

So I did.

Laurie, Bella and I bundled up and headed up the cul-de-sac to see what was happening. It wasn’t crazy cold out nor windy so the little neighborhood hike would be not a frozen bummer. The fluffy snow was accumulating on massive pine trees and looked absolutely beautiful. Like a work of art. If you stood still you could hear the snow coming down relentless but gentle.

I did avoid one persnickety neighbor but after that it was like we walked on to the set of “It’s A Wonderful Life” (the happy part) and I was Jimmy Stewart reveling in the beauty of what’s all around me but often unappreciated.  There are kids sled-riding. The smell of a burning fire-place and smoke rising from an old stone chimney. We’re hugging neighbors and sincerely wondering why we haven’t seen each other for months. I joined a group pushing out a rear-wheel drive car stuck in the snow with gloved high-fives all around once the tires found firm footing.

As we looped back to our yellow house I couldn’t help but think of the contrast of how I felt before the walk and after. Through the simple act of a winter stroll I remembered the feeling of community that something like a snow day elicits. And, the winters here while challenging are most definitely communally persevered. It’s a long haul from start to finish but we all go through it and come out the other side ready for a beautiful spring.

A Local Winter Wonderland Thanks to Westchester Land Trust

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In 2009, through a partnership with Town of North Castle and the Village of Mount Kisco, Westchester Land Trust preserved a nearly 30 acre parcel next to Byram Hill Lake in Armonk. The stunning lake is used by recreational fishermen and boaters (Note: permits are required) during warmer months but during the winter it makes a magnificent backdrop for photographs. The preservation protects the drinking water supply for local residents. The conservation easement also protects significant wildlife habitat including forests and wetlands.

Photos courtesy of Westchester Land Trust

Goodbye to 2018; Why, Hello ‘Beautiful’

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Ok, I’m trying to stay positive. Still, it feels good to say ‘so long’ to what has been downright ugly. We have seen the impact of hate mongering and a gun epidemic across America, from the spike in hate and lethal crimes across the board, as was the case with the terror directed toward so many prominent individuals via U.S. mail, and immediately thereafter, the horrific tragedies via gunfire at the Tree of Life Synagogue and at the Thousand Oaks nightclub. Then disaster struck, as we sat back helpless taking in the massive wildfire in California and its accompanying death toll of nearly 90 people with hundreds still missing, And in our backyard, as we went to press, The Inside Press team was saddened to learn that a passionate community campaign to bring Armando Rojas back home, had not succeeded. A saving feeling prevails, however: There is great comfort when we all come together as a community to mourn tragedies and put our heads together on how to make our future brighter for all of us and future generations.

As the publisher of a magazine for communities that are off the charts charitable, I also know that behind all the bad news, there is much that’s positive and promising and beautiful on the landscape for our future, and so we will be keeping our eyes peeled for all that. As we head into 2019, via our team, we’re going to keep bringing what’s ‘beautiful’ in our lives to you, from the ‘Inside’ out, for certain. For our first edition in 16 years of publishing, a March/April 2019 book, please look for our ‘Beautiful’ theme throughout, and get in touch early to ask how you can support us. Please write to grace@insidepress.com.

Beautiful Gedney Park playground on a Winter’s Day. Photo by Grace Bennett

In the meantime, thank you to all the residents here ‘and beyond’ who read and share stories we work hard to produce. Thank you to all the generous sponsors who support  community print and online coverage. Wishing you and our families much warmth and joy and all things beautiful through the holiday season.