TIP of the WEEK: Preparing for Winter

November 15, 2013

In New England preparing for winter typically means snow tires, weather proofing windows and stocking cabinets but there is more to consider if you have a child with PWS.

1. Be mindful of the change in daylight. If your child has spent the first two months of school waking up with the sun and now suddenly has to wake and get ready in the dark you may see a change in behavior. Even slight changes in routine and environment can cause havoc and if your child cannot tell time he or she may rely heavily on how light or dark it is outside.
2. Children and adults with PWS are more susceptible to hypothermia. This is especially problematic because most cannot accurately report pain or discomfort which are the first signs of cold weather related illnesses. Pay close attention to skin color, texture, behavior and time spent outside in the cold. Direct exposure to freezing temperatures should be extremely limited.
3. Cold weather brings dry skin which brings temptation. When skin is dry it becomes itchy and this is when we see an increase in picking. This is also true for chapped lips. Use plenty of lotion and chap stick to reduce cracked and itchy skin.
4. Have a pre-planned routine for snow days. There should be a written schedule that can be presented to your child ahead of time in the event that school is cancelled. Because we often do not know until the morning of, we can’t let our kids know ahead of time which is ideally how we handle this kind of a change.

We’d love to hear your ideas for getting through the winter months!

Submitted by:
Patrice Carroll
Manager PWS Services

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Transitioning to Winter
A Winter Landscape
Greetings From Facilities!