Three things Canadians know about Winter survival

My mother had it half right when we first came to Canada over 40 years ago and I was just entering adolescence. In November, the snow was falling and by December, the temperature went below 20 degrees centigrade. Coming from England, we had seen only a few inches of snow and were completely unprepared.

However, my mother went out and bought the two most ugliest, itchiest sweaters and made me wear it to school. Then came the hideous brown rubber boots that I was forced to wear when all the other Canuck kids were wearing kodiaks or tall black leather. The gloves were huge, yellow cushion type things that made my hands sweat and I was prepared to lose my fingers rather than be seen in it.

To combat wind chill on my face, she smeared vaseline on me and it really did not enhance my appearance. Embarrassed and mortified I was, but warm.

Eventually of course, new items were purchased that gave me at least some dignity and at 12 years old, trying to fit in to a new school and society was of the utmost importance. Nowadays, however there are many stylish, dignified and cost effective products that can ease those winter days.

One can handle the cold if clothed properly. A good coat, that is lightweight, and well insulated either by synthetic or down filled pockets pretty well does the trick. Leave the bomber jackets to the Autumn or early Spring and obtain a coat or jacket that covers the posterior.

Gloves, Hats and scarves are really a must in the minus 0 weather and especially with a strong windchill. A hat prevents important heat loss from the top of the head. Ears, fingers and toes get cold very quickly and in fact can become quite painful, so double socks, earmuffs and a good quality glove will enable one to actually enjoy the outdoors.

Boots with deep tread, and very small heels if any will enable one to walk outside. In most cases, snowy surfaces turn to ice very quickly especially over night so leave the fancy high heeled boots for indoor fashion statements.

Layering clothes is the single most effective technique in keeping warm.   Long Johns and thermal underwear is an essential first layer.  One can follow this with the outfit, the sweater or 3rd layer, and the 4th layer usually being the coat. 

A lot of synthetic fabrics have been designed in the last decade to retain heat yet still be quite light, however wool, cashmere and cotton are proven and most people tend to have some items of this nature in their wardrobe. 

For winter driving, a four wheel drive, reasonably heavy car is the best, however these type of vehicles tend to be quite expensive.

You just cannot drive an old clunker around during the six or seven months of winter weather (unless of course you've souped it up and done super maintenance).   It's a recommend to change the car every 5 or 6 years if possible.  

Special attention has to be on the brakes,  the car heating system, and the tires, with an emphasis on the tires. A lot of Canadians have winter tires, that are removed in spring and re-installed in late autumn.   Going up or down a hill, braking suddenly or turning suddenly will end up in disaster without those tires.

Accessories for winter are an absolute must.    A car scraper (preferably with muffs at the end), lock de-icers, a good supply of an emergency pack with blankets, and candies,  battery cables, and window fluid top the list.  

A CAA card, that has low cost yearly premium is priceless.  The first time one gets stuck in a snow bank, or the car won't turn over, you've already saved money.

Not everyone owns a car in Canada, but most do as the the transportation system is really only efficient in the large urban centres and a lot of people do commute distances every day to get to and from work.

If your body is fit, well fed and energized, you won't be as cold. Being hungry is an instant recipe for being cold. In addition if your blood sugar and your red blood cell count is low, you're already starting off on the wrong side of being warm.

Eating breakfast, protein and grains is the best way to start off a snowy day. Early in the morning is when you leave the house, remove enough snow and struggle to get out of the driveway. Tim Hortons is just not enough and will only give a 60 second kick start.

Lunch is just as important to keep the calories coming in. By noon or just afternoon, your body is depleted of calories and you still have a long way to go till dinnertime. Late afternoon is when most people are leaving work or going outdoors and tackling deep snow, difficult driving and winds. There is certainly a reason why candy bars are sold most in the winter time between 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

Face and skin cream are not to be refused during the winter, even by the most macho of men. Winter is an extremely dry time, and yes, you will age when enduring 6 months of winter every year for most of your life. A heavy application especially on your body will provide a barrier to the initial cold draft and help keep you warm at the first level. Your face however is the most exposed part of your body and a face cream with a reasonable oil base will work best.

Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and many immigrants, students choose it to study, work, play and live but....it is a winter country. 

The first winter for many people who are not from countries with similar weather is quite an adjustment and to enjoy the Canadian winter, one has to have some sound strategies.