With winter in full swing, the time to gear up before heading outside is back as well. One common misconception about the cold weather is that going outside will lead to cold or flu. While going outside unprepared can certainly result in illness, it can actually prove beneficial to get out of the house during the colder months.

Oftentimes, people spend ample amounts of time indoors when the weather gets cold. During the holiday season, when many people might stop in to visit family and friends, this can prove dangerous, as germs gather indoors. That said, getting outside in the fresh air can help fight off harmful germs that might lead to cold or flu. When heading outside this holiday season, consider the following tips to ensure you stay healthy and happy.

Gear Up
Unless there’s a weather advisory warning people to stay in, it’s perfectly alright for most people to head outdoors during the cold holiday season. However, the kind of clothing worn is essential to ward off cold and flu. especially for children.

• Avoid cotton clothing, because it won’t keep kids very warm. Stick with wool or other fabrics. Dress them in long underwear, a turtleneck, and a sweater and coat. Add more layers depending on the temperature. If they get too warm or the top layer gets wet, they can remove it one layer at a time. Waterproof pants and jackets are great top layers because they don’t let the wetness seep into the other clothing.
• Make sure children wear a hat because most body heat is lost through  the head. Have children keep their ears covered at all times to prevent frostbite.
• Dress children in warm socks and waterproof boots that are roomy enough for them to wiggle their toes around, to keep feet dry.

Be Cautious When Playing Outdoors
Many families enjoy tackling the winter weather together during the holiday season. Whether it’s building a holiday snowman together in the front yard, visiting the nearby outdoor ice skating rink or even traveling together to choose the holiday tree, it’s best to be cautious when having holiday fun outdoors.

The following family activities are popular during the holiday season, but each carries with them their own set of precautionary steps to take to ensure everyone has fun and doesn’t end up with fighting off the flu or a cold.

When ice skating:

• Obey all signs posted on or near the ice. Yellow signs usually mean skate with caution, and red usually means no skating allowed.
• Never go on the ice unsupervised.
• Never assume it’s safe to skate on a lake or pond. An adult should make sure the ice is at least four inches (10.16 cm) thick and check with local weather authorities for information about ice thickness.
• Avoid walking on ice near moving water. Ice formed on moving water, such as rivers and creeks, will vary in thickness and is highly unpredictable.

When skiing or snowboarding, adults and children should:

• Take lessons from a qualified skiing or snowboarding instructor.
• Never ski or snowboard alone.
• Parents should inspect equipment every year for fit and maintenance. Bindings should be checked annually by a qualified technician.
• Maintain control of speed. Many injuries result from a loss of control. Stunts and fatigue also lead to injuries.
• Always wear a helmet with side vents that allow skiiers and snowboarders to hear others.
• Wear wrist guards to reduce the risk of wrist injury.
• Dress safely. Wear brightly colored clothing and warm hats and mittens.
• Avoid icy hills. The risk of falls and injuries increases in icy conditions.
• Be fully aware of other skiers and snowboarders as well as any other obstacles on the slopes.
• Stay in designated areas and on marked trails.

When sledding:

• Always wear either a ski or hockey helmet -- not a bicycle helmet --  while sledding.
• Never use a sled with sharp or jagged edges.
• Make sure the handholds on the sled are secure.
• Always sit up or kneel on a sled. Lying down increases the risk of head, spine, and abdominal injuries.
• Never sled on or near roadways.
• Look for shallow slopes that are free of trees, fences or any other obstacles.
• Avoid sledding on crowded slopes.