Cold Weather and Kids’ Health: What Alaskan Parents Should Know

Alaska is known for its cold weather, especially in winter. When we’re talking about cold weather and kids’ health, what Alaska parents should know are practical ways to help their kids stay warm and well during the winter months. Let’s go through the facts and look at the best ways for keeping kids healthy in Alaska winters! No horror stories. No scary news. Just tips to make the wintertime enjoyable for the whole family.

With this in mind, it’s important to recognize that Alaska can be dangerous for those who are not prepared. Whether it’s exposure to the elements or inability to cope with limited sunlight, some people find their kids struggling during the winter. But that doesn’t have to be the case, which is why we’ve compiled helpful information and tips to make sure children are healthy physically and mentally during Alaska’s coldest months

Severe cold can cause harm to kids’ bodies, but that doesn’t mean they have to be stuck inside all winter! Put appropriate measures in place, know your limits, and enjoy Alaska in the wintertime! Of course, if an illness or injury occurs, you can reach out to Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach at 907-222-5090. 

What Alaskan Parents Should Know About Cold Weather and Their Kids' Health in Alaska

There is a lot to do in an Alaskan winter, and understanding how cold weather and kids' health in Alaska go hand in hand is very important. For families who like to stay active, there are opportunities for skiing, tobogganing, snowboarding, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice climbing, and ice skating. But parents should be aware of the potential dangers of winter in Alaska and take appropriate precautions.

If you’re new to the brutal winters of the north, you might find yourself doing an internet search asking, “How cold is too cold for kids to be outside?” As a good rule of thumb, you might consider staying inside on days that get below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Doctors at Children’s Hospital Colorado say that kids are at greater risk of hypothermia and frostbite in those temperatures. Experts at Boys Town National Research Hospital say kids should not play outside when temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. According to What To Expect, young children should not be outside long when temperatures are -15 degrees Fahrenheit and colder. Your child’s age, duration of exposure to the cold, and activity also play a role in determining what exposure levels are safe.

Another important thing to remember about Alaskan winters: they are dark. Places near Anchorage and Juneau will get 5-6 hours of sunlight a day, while people in Utqiagvik (the northernmost town in the state) don’t see the sun for more than 60 days (Alaska.org)! 

The lack of sunlight can affect people’s mental health. It is important that families practice good mental health habits so that everyone feels connected, safe, and happy during the winter months. 

Risk Factors for Children During Alaskan Winters

Alaskan kids are at risk for a few specific conditions each year. Let’s go over a few major ones:

Frostbite: Frostbite occurs when skin tissue freezes. When we’re looking at frostbite in children, signs and symptoms are more common on appendages such as fingers, toes, ears, and noses. If kids complain of a patch of skin that hurts, burns, feels numb, turns white or gray, or blisters, frostbite might be at play. If this happens, go inside to warm up. Don’t place anything hot on the skin, rub the area, or pop blisters. Instead, try soaking in gentle, warm water for 20 to 30 minutes. You can also use a warm washcloth. Then, keep the area dry and covered. Seek help if pain or numbness continues (HealthyChildren.org).

Hypothermia: Hypothermia happens when the body’s temperature drops below the normal level (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Hypothermia symptoms in children include shivering, sluggishness, clumsiness, and slurred words. Hypothermia is serious, so seek immediate medical attention. While you are waiting for medical professionals, get the child indoors, remove wet clothing, and wrap him or her in warm blankets or clothing (especially the core body areas, such as the chest and abdomen). Encourage warm fluids (HealthyChildren.org).

Respiratory Infections: Respiratory infections are common in Alaska between October and May. Respiratory infections can include the common cold, but also the flu, RSV, COVID-19, etc. Sometimes, pneumonia and more serious issues develop. Parents should consider vaccines as a preventative measure. When sickness happens, they should treat symptoms and offer comfort, but they can also reach out to a medical provider for additional advice if a child’s situation is not improving. Of course, if life-threatening symptoms develop, parents should call 911.

Mental Health Issues: Because Alaska loses so much sunlight in the winter, people of all ages often suffer from seasonal affective disorder (1 out of 10 Alaskan residents, according to the National Library of Medicine). Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (and other mental health issues) might present as persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight fluctuations, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal, and more. Light therapy, vitamin D supplements, socialization, and exercise are positive mental health habits that can help people during the dark months living in Alaska. If there is a life-threatening situation, call the mental health hotline at 988.

Keep in mind that children’s ages and medical histories may make them more prone to certain risks than others.

Alaska Winter Health Tips & Best Practices

Alaska is a great place with unique activities, communities, and history. Living in Alaska during the winter should not cause families undue worry. Parents should take mindful precautions during the winter months in Alaska. Emergency plans should be put in place. All members of the family should have sturdy, durable, and warm clothing and shoes. Phones should be charged at all times, and it might be good to invest in weather radios, walkie-talkies, and other winter supplies. 

Keeping kids healthy in Alaska winters can be easy with some easy-to-follow tips:

1. Dress in layers. You might need an inner layer, an insulating layer, and an outer layer. But beware: getting too sweaty can lead to sweat that freezes and causes harm. 

2. Wear hats (prevents 40% of body heat loss through the head) and mittens (which keep the fingers closer together for warmth).

3. Talk to your doctor about vaccinations, light therapy, and vitamin D supplements.

4. Keep survival and first-aid kits in the home and the car so you have supplies wherever your adventures take you.

5. Spend time with loved ones. Plan social gatherings. Building community is great for mental health.

6. Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated.

7. Wear sunscreen. Even though it’s cold and sunlight is limited, the rays can be harmful, especially on mountaintops.

8. Wear a mask. This can keep your face warm while also preventing at least some respiratory droplets from spreading in the air (with potential germs).

9. Exercise. If you cannot go outside due to cold weather, find ways to move your body indoors.

It’s important not to be afraid to go outside! Fresh air is good for the body! Just make sure each member of your family is safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Seeking Pediatric Care in Alaska

Keeping kids healthy in Alaska winters is a tough job, but Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach is happy to do it, serving kids statewide. When kids need a doctor for injuries sustained playing in the snow or for symptoms picked up during cold and flu season, our team is ready to help. But our service options do vary by location.

Mat-Su Valley — Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer: Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach has an in-person clinic. Families in the Mat-Su Valley have access to this clinic for same-day appointments. Booking online reduces wait times.

Interior Alaska, Southeast Alaska, and Off-Road-System Communities: For families in communities outside Anchorage, telemedicine fills gaps in healthcare access. Some cities have doctors, hospitals, and clinics, but others are more remote. Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach has created an innovative telemedicine system to serve families statewide, including those in communities where access to pediatric specialists has never been easy. 

How Alaska Children's Supports Families Beyond Anchorage

Alaska Children's Urgent Care & Outreach was created with the whole state in mind. In addition to our Anchorage clinic, we extend care to Alaska families in various ways: 

• Pediatric Telemedicine: Our statewide service removes the need to travel or sit in a waiting room. We use secure links to connect families with pediatric specialists. All that is required is video capability and internet access. This service is offered 7 days a week from 8 am to midnight.

• School Telemedicine: This service is a collaboration with Alaskan schools, allowing our pediatric specialists to consult with school nurses and parents when a child gets sick or injured on campus. This reduces interruptions in education and work time. We offer this service Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

• Outreach Clinics: Our outreach program brings in-person pediatric clinics to underserved communities across Alaska. This is how we provide preventive care, immunizations, and health screenings in person when people can’t travel to our clinic in Anchorage. These clinics are designed to meet families where they are. 

Alaska is great in every season, even in winter. It’s a lot of work keeping kids healthy in Alaska winters, but luckily, our team is ready to help if needed 7 days a week.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed to offer information for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Please reach out to a qualified medical provider for diagnosis and care options tailored to you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What illnesses are treated at Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach?

Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach can treat cold and flu symptoms, stomach bugs, sinus and ear infections, rashes, minor cuts and burns, asthma, allergies, chronic illnesses, and more! Our services page has a more detailed list.

What ages are treated at Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach?

Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach serves kids ages 0-18. Our pediatric specialists bring innovative, evidence-based care to children across Alaska, delivering it with compassion and professionalism so children and their families feel comfortable.

How cold is too cold for kids to be outside?

It’s too cold for your kids to be outside if temperatures are lower than 0 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Doctors at Children’s Hospital Colorado. They also say that kids are at greater risk of hypothermia and frostbite when exposed to these temperatures. As children age, this rule of thumb is less strict. It is important for kids and adults alike to dress warmly and in layers.

What should I expect during cold and flu season in Alaska?

Like other parts of the United States, influenza, colds, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses are commonly spread. This season lasts longer in Alaska than in other parts of the United States, generally from October through May.