Myrtle Claus
When you think of Italy, 'subzero temperatures' aren't the first thing that comes to mind. Nevertheless, the country has many (mountain) areas where it can be bitterly cold in winter. Including snow on hill and mountain tops, avalanche danger, snowfall risks and working ski lifts.
Nevertheless, the icy cold is often limited to those regions, although you would not believe it if you see Italians outside on a normal winter day. Just like warm weather, we can also learn something from the Italians in cold weather.
So here are 10 Italian tips against the winter cold. So that the winter sports enthusiasts among us can get to know Italy without any risk to their health, even under less summer conditions. And everyone else will understand better why those Michelin-like figures in the Italian streets in February.
1. The Italian cold is a major health hazard
Risk of sore throat, runny nose and sneezing. There is therefore one important rule that you should observe to avoid catching a cold. Or run the risk of bronchitis and maybe even end up in bed with double pneumonia: don't go out in the sun without a coat as soon as the 'r' is in the month! No matter how inviting the sun shines and no matter how warm it seems to be. Don't ignore this folk wisdom. That is asking for trouble!
2. Cold outside, heat inside!
Just like in the summer you want the cool air in to make the heat in the house disappear, in winter the motto is exactly the opposite: 'Cold outside, heat inside!' Insulate doors and windows to prevent drafts and to prevent warm air from escaping outside. Place rolled-up blankets in the cracks where cold air enters.
It is not good for the environment in general and for those indoors in particular if the heat can disappear just like that. By the way, all that insulation helps to keep the energy bill that you will find on your doormat at the end of the ice age as low as possible. Open the window every now and then for ten minutes. A little ventilation makes all the viruses in the air disappear like snow in the sun.
3. Maintain the humidity level
Ideally, the humidity in the rooms should be around 40-50%. So make sure that the trays on the central heating remain filled with water to prevent the air from becoming too dry. That is disastrous for your airways with all its consequences! Furthermore, it is important to keep the indoor temperatures between 19° and 22°. Although a lot of Italian parents with a newborn in the crib quietly give the thermostat a whirl, so that during a maternity visit you get the idea that you have ended up in the tropics. That is the result of tip 4.
4. Keep the little ones warm (and the old ones too)
According to the Italian philosophy, small children suffer more from the cold and have more trouble keeping their body at the right temperature. The Dutch motto 'dress the little one as warm as yourself' has fallen on deaf ears. Keeping warm, that's what it's all about. In addition to warm jumpsuits and hats in bed, it is important to keep the temperature indoors at a subtropical level. Which makes you long for the summer clothes in your closet when you have a cup of coffee with the new parents. And can hardly wait to go out into the cold again.
The same line of thought also applies to the elderly of days: they too should be nice and warm. And, kidding, it is recommended to regularly check their body temperature. It is also important to keep in regular contact when it is very cold outside. This way you can help if they need groceries or medicines and can't leave the house because of the cold.
5. Watch what you eat!
Get enough vitamins and minerals to maintain your immune system. Strangely enough, five portions of fruit and vegetables are even more important during the winter than in the summer. According to the Italians, it is mainly vegetables that contain a lot of beta acarotene. Such as carrots, potatoes and pumpkin, which give your immune system a real boost.
Also eat hot meals and drink often, preferably hot drinks, to prevent the indoor temperatures from drying you out. And no, alcohol does not help warm up your body. It's a shame if you thought you had a good excuse to finally make that bottle of grappa soldier. The alcohol gives your body a warm glow from the inside, but ensures that you lose body heat rather than get warmer.
6. Don't go outside during the coldest part of the day
Just as it is wise not to go outside during the hottest part of the day in the summer, it is wise to leave the house at those times during the colder winter period. The early morning and late evening hours are much too chilly and increase the risk of contracting a cold. And if you suffer from your heart, it is advisable to stay indoors especially at night during the cold. It will cost you too much effort to keep your body warm when the mercury drops to around freezing.
7. Dress warmly
If there really is no other option and you have to go outside on those cold morning and evening hours for trivialities such as school and work, dress warmly. Hats, gloves and scarves are indispensable. Like a thick coat against the cold. It really doesn't have to be all the latest fashion and it really isn't important that it all match. It's all about the heat after all. Although it is of course a small effort for the average Italian to do it, ensure a uniform look. Sunglasses should also not be missing, just in case.
8. Avoid sweating
Don't forget, as soon as you step inside, to throw open your coat and take off all those other matching accessories such as hat, gloves and scarf. Before you know it, you'll be a) way too hot, making you b) sweating and c) catching a cold as soon as you go out into the cold again. And you tried just as hard to prevent that with all those coordinated garments.
9. Prepare your car journey thoroughly
If you go on the road with your car, don't forget to bring a thermos with hot drink and a nice warm blanket. Just in case your car breaks down or you get stuck in a traffic jam on the snowy and/or slippery highway. As long as you're driving you don't really notice it, but once the engine stops, the temperature can drop pretty quickly.
10. Wood and provisions
Last but not least, although this applies especially to remote areas where winters can still be real, old-fashioned winters: make sure there is enough provisions and a whole pile of wood stock is ready. It wouldn't be the first time you wake up in an Italian mountain area, find yourself snowed in at night and cut off from the rest of the world. You can only hope that you are in good company, so that the isolation becomes an enjoyable adventure!
Photos: Stefano Costanini (Flickr)
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