It's Cold Outside-Hypothermia and Prevention

Cold weather can affect your body in so many different ways. One of the things that can happen is the potential to lose heat faster than you can produce it resulting in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Hypothermia is often a gradual condition and can result in an altered mental status. However, a body temperature below 95° F is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly.
So what do we do to protect ourselves from hypothermia?
They key to staying safe in the cold is to wear several layers of clothing. For example:

• Keep your body heat trapped inside your clothes
• Protect you from cold air, wind, snow, or rain
• Protect you from contact with cold surfaces

You also need both food and fluids to fuel your body and keep you warm. But most importantly, watch for the warning signs. These may include the following:

• Feeling cold.
• Shivering.
• Altered cognitive function as these may be signs that cold is affecting your body and brain.

Lastly, you should always call your physician or 911 if you or someone in your party:

• Does not get better or gets worse after attempting to warm up.
• Has frostbite. NEVER rewarm frostbite on your own. It can be very painful and damaging.
• Shows signs of hypothermia.

Remember to stay warm, safe, and dry during this holiday season.
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