Keeping our Patient’s Mobile During the Winter Months
By Jean McCaslin, RN IgCN CNE - November 26, 2024
Chronic illnesses present numerous challenges to the patients we serve. One weather-specific risk is the potential for loss of mobility and function as the cold weather months roll-in. All people tend to become more sedentary as we “hunker down” in winter.
For the chronically ill already experiencing weakness, gait fragility, lack of stamina, depression, or PIDD with social-distancing, regular exercise might completely cease in the winter months. Nurses can be catalysts to keep patients moving all year round, thus assist in promoting good health and preserving function.
Types/Targets of Exercise:
- Balance and coordination
- Strength
- Endurance
- Flexibility and mobility
Benefits of Exercise:
- Supports physical function
- Builds community
- Improves sleep; exercise produces increased melatonin and decreased cortisol improving circadian rhythm
- Relieves pain
- Promotes brain function
- Supports bone health
- Improved emotional health
- Decreases fall risk
- Decreases stress and can reduce autoimmune flares
- Cardiovascular health
Don’t Let Cold Weather Defeat Them When Too Cold To Be Outside:
- Get outside when able, but have an indoor backup plan
- Older adults are prone to osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as Vitamin D deficiency. Natural sunlight promotes Vitamin D production and keeps joints moving.
- Create a home gym; buy used, less expensive and targeted items.
- Create or get to an exercise group
- Dance
- Join a health club; some have senior or disabled discounts.
- Seek online options for exercise sessions; many are free of charge
Patient Personal Accountability:
- Promote follow-up discussion
- Suggest patients create a schedule or journal progress
- Cheer success
- Encourage patient to report new symptoms/barriers to physicians when appropriate
Approaching patients about the benefits of increased mobility need not be intrusive. There oftentimes are discussions in ordinary discourse during patient care visits. Use this time to assess individual symptoms and ability, as well as their potential to maintain or improve their activities of daily living through dialog and open-ended questions surrounding exercise.
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