Cold, dark, and snowy winter weather can affect how active we are during the season, and Southern Health-Sante Sud is encouraging us to come up with ways to keep moving. Healthy Living Facilitator Maureen Owens says it's important to have a plan going into the winter, adding that plan should include having the proper clothing to safely spend time outdoors.

"Lots of layers, good outer-wear, a good toque, maybe a face covering."

She adds having a good footing is also important to staying safe, noting the worry of slipping and falling on ice can be a big barrier to being active outdoors. "You can actually buy those crampons that you can put on a running shoe or winter boot."

Because it gets dark earlier in the evening during the winter, Owens says it's also important to have proper reflective gear if going for a walk. As for the day, she notes sunscreen is needed to protect from extra UV rays reflecting off the snow.

As for what activities we can do outdoors in winter, Owens explains there are numerous options that incorporate the snowy environment, if we're willing to try new things.

"Going snowshoeing, and there are places where you can rent snowshoes, tobogganing; cross-country skiing; downhill skiing; outdoors skating."

She does add it is also important to have a plan for indoor activities when the weather is too cold and blustery to be outside.

"Do you have a place in your community where you can go for walk? Are there exercise classes that you can join? Is there a gym that you can participate in? Are there indoors sports such as volleyball, bowling, things like that. Anything that you can find indoors to be kind of your back-up plan."

Owen notes, not being active for five or six months during the winter can have some serious consequences. She says the muscles in our bodies will become weaker and tighter.

"(It impacts) some of those protective factors that physical activity gives us. So things like controlling your risk factors for chronic disease such as hypertension or high blood pressure, cholesterol, just general conditioning for your heart and lungs."

She adds exercise is also a great strategy for mental health promotion. "Getting out into your community socializing with people, getting outside."

Owens does recommend however, checking with your doctor before starting any exercise routine to see if it's safe to do so.