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cross the nation old man winter has arrived with a vengeance, inflicting harsh and brutal weather conditions. Storms have dumped heavy snowfalls and thick ice. Temperatures have dipped to a dangerous low. The thermometer does not need to fall below freezing to put you at risk for hypothermia and frostbite. Even at temperatures above 40 degrees, windy conditions, physical exhaustion and wet clothing can make you prone to hypothermia. Infants and the elderly are especially at risk for cold-related illnesses.
What is hypothermia?
When exposed to cold temperatures your body loses more heat than it can produce, resulting in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.
What is frostbite?
Frostbite is an injury to the body, caused by freezing, resulting in loss of feeling and color in affected areas. The most common affected areas are fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Frostbite can permanently damage the body and in extreme cases can lead to amputation.
Follow the safety tips below to protect yourself against hypothermia and frostbite.
If you need to go outdoors, wear protective clothing such as a hat, scarf or knit mask, long sleeved clothing, mittens (they are warmer than gloves), water-resistant coat and shoes, and layers of loose-fitting clothing. Covering your head with a hat will prevent losing up to 40% of your body heat.
If you know you’re going to be in cold conditions, do not bathe, smoke, or drink alcohol before going out.
Keep your body moving, don’t stand still.
Take regular breaks in warm areas especially if you begin feeling very cold or numb. Drink something warm excluding caffeine and alcohol.
Change clothing or dry off immediately if your clothes become wet.
Do not ignore shivering
. Shivering is the first sign that your body is losing heat. If experiencing persistent shivering, move indoors.
If you get stranded in your car in cold weather:
Tie a brightly colored scarf or cloth to your antenna to signal help.
Keep extra blankets, clothing or newspapers in the car and wrap yourself in them to stay warm.
Stay awake to be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
Run the motor 10 minutes out of every hour, lowering one window slightly to allow air in.
Make sure snow is NOT blocking exhaust pipe to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep moving your extremities to keep warm and improve circulation.
Do not eat snow because it will lower your body temperature even further.
Warning signs of frostbite:
White or grayish-yellowing of areas of the skin
Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
Numbness
Warning signs of hypothermia:
ADULTS
shivering, exhaustion
confusion, fumbling hands
memory loss, slurred speech
drowsiness
INFANTS
bright red, cold skin
very low energy
If you notice any of the above signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95
°
dial 9-1-1 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
DON’T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD!
For more information on reducing risk or any of our other services, please contact Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@cbservices.org or 800.807.0300 ext 2543