The hazard of rounding Cape Horn: is it changing?

Notwithstanding the range of strategies to help one cope with the cold weather, most countries experience mortalities in excess of 5–30% in winter, brought on mainly by cerebrovascular events.1 This variability is mainly attributed to the population being able to keep themselves warm, both indoors and outdoors, necessitated by the mean cold temperature. Policies and measures to increase efficient use of energy indoors, coupled with advice to citizens suggesting to wear adequate warm protective clothing and to keep themselves active when out in the open, have been thus promoted. The elderly are aware of the risks, and traditionally perceive winter as a rounding of Cape Horn.