How to cross checkpoints in a frosty weather?

Crossing the contact line in wintertime is not an easy thing to do. Long stay in frost can cause colds and also lead to aggravation of chronic diseases. Vladyslav Denysenko, Program and project manager at Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center, pulmonologist and TB specialist, gave tips on how to get prepared for a trip through checkpoints in winter.

"From a medical point of view, winter season is the most difficult time to cross the contact line. Supercooling can exacerbate chronic diseases, especially against common colds. That's why one should be thoroughly prepared for a trip through checkpoints", ‒ Vlad Denysenko explains.

When planning a trip across the contact line in winter season, please consider the following recommendations:

1. The clothes you are wearing should be warm and light, but not tight. If possible, wear thermal underwear. Shoes should be on a thick sole, slightly loose, not pinching. Be sure to wear a hat, a scarf and gloves. Say no to metal jewellery.
2. To avoid the clothes getting wet, use raincoats, umbrellas, wear waterproof coats over clothes. In case your clothes get wet, take an extra pair of socks and a sweater. If your footwear is not waterproof, you can wear plastic bags over your socks/tights, it will keep your feet dry.
3. Have a decent meal before the trip. Make sure you take a thermos of hot tea. The food should be light and digestible: cookies, buns, gingerbreads, sweet crackers. Do not drink alcohol, it increases the risk of hypothermia.
4. If there are any heating points, use them. Besides, you can also warm yourself with a blanket or a wrap. If possible, stand not on the road surface, but on wood board or a piece of cardboard etc.
5. Try to move more. This improves blood circulation and, consequently, reduces the risk of hypothermia.
6. Be sure to take antipyretic drugs for the trip. Those who have to take medications constantly (hypertension, diabetes, etc.) cannot break their dosage regimen.
7. Always wear disposable masks in crowded places.