Ken Knepper: Some ‘risky business’ on the sidewalk

It’s been cold here in the Midwest. By that, I don’t mean there’s been a nip in the air. Instead, it’s felt more like a fully toothed Tyrannosaurus rex bite in the air.

I’m always amazed how people adapt to winter weather, such as some who lose all memory of how to drive when streets are icy or snow-packed, or others, who simply leave the cold for more agreeable climates and dry pavement.

Apparently, I’ve adapted, too, without even realizing the change took place.

The last few days, I started warming up my vehicle every morning before work.

That way, on those long commutes of 10 blocks, I could ride comfortably knowing it’s only cost me a couple of dollars in fuel.

My vehicle, a pickup truck, has one of those fancy computer odometer features that constantly remind the driver of his current fuel economy.

Mine has set on zero for so many mornings I feel more like a member of OPEC instead of someone working at a newspaper.

But, luckily, the cold weather helps me look beyond sensibility.

The other day for example, I needed to purchase a couple of items for the office.

From my desk, I could see the store — roughly a block away.

So, bundled in my winter coat and gloves, I walked straight across the street to my truck, which was covered with snow.

Years ago, I might have forgone the effort of sweeping away the snow and merely walked the rest of the block — especially since I had effectively covered half the distance already.

But all that has changed since I reached middle age.

Now I have legitimate fear of actually being injured in a fall.

It used to be I only risked embarrassment from landing on my backside.

So I succumbed to the comfort of my vehicle — albeit a very cold vehicle.

I sat there trembling as the windshield wipers brushed away the remaining remnants of snow and then drove the full half block before realizing I would have to park numerous stalls from the front door.

Apparently, some older folks beat me to the good parking places less than 15 feet from the storefront.

After making my purchases and returning the half block to my parking stall, I walked back to the office somewhat ashamed for what I’d become.

The entire effort of driving probably resulted in saving some 300 feet, total — and cost me two or three more dollars in fuel, including the time spent warming up the truck.

Then I read a news release warning of hypothermia.

According to the National Institute for Aging, a person’s age has a direct correlation to the body’s ability to endure long periods of exposure to cold.

The older a person gets, the more difficult it is to maintain healthy body temperatures.

Accidental hypothermia even can be fatal if not detected and treated promptly.

Some of the signs to watch for include a slow or irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, very slow breathing, sluggishness or confusion.

I recalled how I shivered after my walk to and from the parking lot and thanked my stars for taking every precaution to remain healthy.

What’s a few bucks compared to a person’s health — or more importantly, a potentially embarrassing event when the person momentarily defies gravity on a snow-packed sidewalk before winding up sprawled out as if he intended to make snow angels.

After all, aside from “Funniest Home Videos,” one can’t place a price on potential shame.

Ken Knepper is publisher of The Newton Kansan. He can be contacted at kenneth.knepper@thekansan.com.