The weather has really turned this weekend! We have been so lucky over the summer but it looks like it is time to get the winter woollies out. Keeping warm when you have only half a heart is always a challenge. Over the years, the LHM team have collected together lots of tips that may give you ideas to keep warm.
Poor circulation (movement of blood around the body) and an inability to exercise to keep warm cause problems when you have a single ventricle heart condition. Often your feet and hands feel like ice and your lips go blue very quickly when the weather is cold.
Pile On the Clothes.
Lots of thinner layers are better than one thick one, as they trap and warm air. Go back to buying vests; lots of shops have good thermal ones! Put tights on under trousers and put socks on top. Yes even you boys! Batman wears tights! Find a hat with earflaps and nice thermal gloves. Try the local ski shop, they have gear especially designed for very cold weather.
Warm Up From the Inside.
Have hot cereal for breakfast; warm the morning drink of milk. Make hot chocolate or tea for snack time. Have soup with a sandwich for lunch and plan warm snacks throughout the day. Remember that you need food little and often so you'll be helping your diet and keeping warm.
Cover Those Noses.
Remember scarves or a balaclava can help keep those noses warm.
Snug in Bed.
Onesies with extra socks can help when the duvet slips. If it's really cold, think about using a sleeping bag.
Sore Lips.
Prevent sore lips by using lip balm or simple Vaseline.
Runny Noses.
If a runny nose persists, talk to your parents about getting advice from your health visitor or the GP. It might develop into an infection.
Useful Products
Click here to go to LHM's Useful Links page, which contains details of products for keeping warm which you may find useful.
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