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Learn to recognize and prevent these two cold weather dangers.
On the Web
Monday, November 8
Hypothermia, frostbite provide twin threats
Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle
When you're out in the cold, be aware of the dangers:
Hypothermia
What it is: The body can no longer regulate itself and drops its core temperature to 95 degrees or lower. Hypothermia can set in at temperatures as warm as 40 degrees if a person gets wet.
To prevent: Wear a hat, preferably one that covers the ears. Most body heat is lost through the scalp. Stay dry. Dress warmly, in clothes that wick moisture away from the skin, while outdoors.
Signs of problems: Uncontrolled shivering, dizziness, exhaustion, poor coordination, confusion and mumbling.
What to do: Get the person into dry clothes or a sleeping bag. Warm him slowly. Apply heat to the body's core, but not the limbs. Have him huddle close to a warm, dry person and give him a warm beverage.
The danger: Hypothermia can lead to loss of consciousness or cardiac arrest and death.
Frostbite
What it is: In mild cases, sometimes called frostnip, only the outer layer of skin freezes. When frostbite is severe, skin and underlying tissues, such as blood vessels, fat, muscle and bone, freeze. Ears, nose, hands and feet are particularly susceptible. Risk of frostbite increases in people with circulation problems, such as diabetics.
To prevent: Wear gloves - or, better yet, mittens, which provide more warmth. Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow. Wear a hat that covers the ears and a scarf that covers the mouth and nose.
Signs of problems: Gray, white or yellow patches on the skin or skin that feels waxy. The skin has no sensation.
What do to: If the skin does not return to normal color after applying gentle pressure, seek medical attention. Warm the area slowly using body heat, such as a warm hand, or warm water. Do not use direct or intense heat and do not massage the area.
The danger: Blood flow stops in frostbitten skin, and the area must be thawed and rewarmed to prevent gangrene and infection. Severe cases can result in amputation.
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