(Madison County, NY – Feb. 2015) In Central New York extreme winter weather is expected, but with the recent long stretches of sub–freezing temperatures and a continued frigid forecast for the season, the Madison County Health Department reminds residents to take precautions against hypothermia and frostbite.
Hypothermia
In extreme cold conditions, some people, such as infants and the elderly are at increased risk for hypothermia because their bodies cannot easily regulate their temperature. Hypothermia is a life–threatening condition that causes the body’s core temperature to drop when it loses heat faster than it produces it. Infants less than one year of age should never sleep in a cold room and should be provided with warm clothing to prevent loss of body heat.Infants who are suffering from hypothermia may appear to have very low energy and bright red, cold skin.
Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion and slurred speech.
Frostbite
Frostbite is another cold weather concern, and is especially dangerous because it can happen with little warning. Numbness can occur so quickly that the individual, unaware of being frostbitten, may remain outside, increasing the chance of permanent damage. Older persons, and those with diabetes, are especially vulnerable to frostbite because of impaired circulation.
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes when you are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation.
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:
- a white or grayish-yellow skin area
- skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- numbness
A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb. Skiers, ice skaters, hikers and snowmobilers should stop frequently to check exposed areas of their body for loss of feeling and other danger signs.
Bundle Up and Be Aware
To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, it is important to dress warmly in wind–proof clothing and to go indoors when you begin to feel cold. Wear several layers of loose–fitting clothing to trap body heat. Fasten all buttons and zip up clothing to keep the heat in and the cold out.
Don’t forget gloves, mittens and a hat that covers the ears. Be sure the outer layer of clothing is tightly woven to reduce body–heat loss caused by wind. As the speed of wind increases, it can carry heat away from the body faster. In high wind conditions, cold weather–related health problems are much more likely.
Since cold weather puts an extra burden on the heart, if you have cardiac problems or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s orders about shoveling or performing any strenuous exercise outside. Even healthy adults should remember that their bodies already are working overtime just to stay warm, and dress appropriately and work slowly when doing heavy outdoor chores.
Be aware. Recognize the signs of danger. If you will be spending time outside, do not ignore shivering – it is an important first sign that the body is losing heat and a signal to quickly return indoors to prevent a cold weather injury.
To learn more about frostbite and hypothermia, go online to www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/index.asp