Staying warm in the Darkest of Days.

By Imogen Paige

As everyone knows, Hogwarts has been having a bit of a light—and warmth—problem the past week or so. It has become unbearable to the point that our high temperatures have reached a new record low of -14⁰ Celsius and we have all been scrambling trying to find our thermals, earmuffs, thickest gloves, and anything else we can to stay warm. I’ve heard from the house elves that the demand for soup, hot tea, and hot chocolate has quadrupled since this cold snap began. Let’s face it, life has been miserable. But, are we being safe and smart in how to stay warm in these temperatures.

Due to the temperatures continuing to plunge, it came to our attention that we needed to watch out for each other and make sure we all stay healthy and safe in these moments. So, I made my way to go and talk with the healers on staff here at Hogwarts as to how to stay warm and safe during these trying times.

Healer Carstairs-McAlpin was in and when I asked her what to look for symptoms of hypothermia (or a person’s body temperature has gotten too low) she said to be watching for shivering, exhaustion or feeling very tired, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Things to do if you notice a housemate or someone might be suffering from this is to get the person into a warmer room or shelter. If they are in wet clothing get them off of the person. Warm up the centre of the person’s body (chest, neck, head, and groin) –the hot air charm would be useful for this. Drinking warm drinks and warm soups will also help increase their core temperature. Wrap them in a good warm blanket and then finally get them to the hospital wing as soon as possible.

The next concern that the healers have right now is that of frostbite. This is where your extremities like your fingers, nose, chin, cheeks, ears, and even toes can be damaged due to long exposure to the extreme cold and if not treated in time, could lead to the amputation of that body part. If you notice that your skin is turning red or is in pain get out of the cold air. Who knows, frostbite might be starting. Other symptoms are that your skin may have a white, or a grayish-yellow tint to a particular area. Your skin might feel unusually firm or even like wax. And then it could also be numb to the touch. If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, please get inside asap. Put the affected areas in warm water (comfortable to touch people! We are not looking to boil your skin off!) And then as you are doing this go on to the healer.

Now, when asked about classes that are held outside, Healer Carstairs-McAlpin jokingly said, “Don’t go.” But then added that if we had to go outside for any reason to bundle up in practical layers and for all that is pure and holy make sure you wear a proper jacket and a scarf.

The next part of my questions for her in this situation involved the darkness and how best to stay safe and healthy. First off, if you haven’t, go down and visit the table our amazing prefect team has set up with blue-bell jars for you to carry around to light your way. Also, use lumos if you do not have one. Finally, if you are feeling the effects of the darkness physically, a great way to counteract that is to have a healthy diet. Enjoy different types of fish such as salmon, tuna, and if you are those special people who like it, sardines (beef liver and cod liver oil also will help if you like them). Orange juice and dairy products also have a good bit of umph to get through the darkness. Our leafy greens are also great for this.

So, what if someone falls and hurts themselves. If you can safely move them? You guessed it, get them to the hospital wing. But if they can’t, send someone to get a healer.

So, I guess that’s it. The darkness is here only for a little bit longer, but I’m hoping the cold eases off before winter comes for a good long time. The good news is this, it’s a temporary thing by the judge of the warmth that seems to be coming from wherever the house elves are working, it should be over soon.

Until then? Stay warm and safe.