Cold weather

With travel advisories and school closings, this week’s cold weather is the worst of the season so far. If you need to venture out, remember to keep your skin covered and dress in layers. The recommendations I’ve seen for these layers are: clothing next to your skin that ideally would be a wicking fabric, then an insulating layer like polar fleece or a wool sweater, and finally an outer layer. This would be your coat or jacket and rain or snow pants for your legs. Don’t forget your feet – wool socks and tall boots are my choice.

For more information about staying safe in winter weather and storms, the Centers for Disease Control publishes an Extreme Cold Guide with lots of useful information.

Here are indoor activities that I like during inclement weather:

• Make a jigsaw puzzle.

• Visit a museum such as The Museum of Russian Art, the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts or the Bakken Museum

• Read a book for fun.

• Visit the Como Conservatory – warmth, humidity and lovely plants!

• Play a game with family or friends.