Day: January 31, 2019

It’s no secret, that as New Englanders, we are innately deprived of vitamin D in the winter. We don’t get as much sun as some places in the world, and we get more than others. It’s a middle ground. Which means we have a responsibility to take advantage of the sun we do get.

If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then these long months help grow our love for the sun exponentially. Our lack of vitamin D and sunshine is precisely what inspires our love for sunlight. Especially in the cold dark depths of winter. It’s helps us appreciate what we have, while we have it.

See more: https://www.grandbanksbp.com/blogs/blog/letting-in-the-light

This morning’s bright sunshine on the dusting of snow while beautiful, is deceiving.  The temperature at 9 a.m. in Gloucester MA was only 4º!  Todays  weather forecast predicts a high of 18º.

‘Polar Vortex.’  The National Weather service describes this as “a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter.”

The Bright Side. I actually feel lucky, considering what parts of the midwest are enduring  – dangerously cold temperatures of subzero, up to 40º below with the wind chill factor in some areas. Many businesses and schools are closed. At 40º, exposed skin can suffer frost bitewithin 5 minutes of exposure.

Check on Elderly Family and Neighbors. Being outside or even in a cold house can lead to hypothermia, a body temperature of 95°F or lower. Hypothermia can cause many health problems…