|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In The News
Staying Safe (and Warm) in Cold Weather
January 06, 2010
Staying Safe (and Warm) in Cold Weather
STAYING WARM
Tips to stay warm at home:
- Set your heat 68º F or higher. Close off any room you are not using. Close the vents and shut the doors in these rooms.
- To keep warm at home, wear long johns under your clothes. Throw a blanket over your legs, wear socks and slippers.
- When you go to sleep, wear long johns under your pajamas and use extra blankets.
- Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house.
When going outside:
- Dress appropriately for the weather if you have to go out on chilly, cold or damp days.
- Wear loose layers of clothing.
- Wear a hat, scarf and gloves.
- Don't stay out in the cold and wind for a long time.
HYPOTHERMIA
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially in children and the elderly.
Hypothermia occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it. A body temperature below 95º F can cause health problems such as heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage and more.
It is very important to know the symptoms of hypothermia and get treatment quickly.
Early Warning Signs of Hypothermia:
- Cold feet and hands.
- Puffy or swollen face.
- Shivering (in some case the person with hypothermia does not shiver)
- Cold, pale, or blue-gray skin.
- Slower than normal speech or slurring words.
Later Signs of Hypothermia:
- The trunk of the body is cold to the touch.
- Muscles become stiff.
- Slow heartbeat that is not regular.
- Slow, shallow breathing.
- Weakness or sleepiness.
- Blacking out or losing consciousness.
*Call 911 right away if you think someone has warning signs of hypothermia.
FROSTBITE
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, particularly when accompanied by a low wind-chill factor or by more brief exposure to very cold temperatures.
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body and severe cases can lead to amputation.
Warning Signs of Frostbite:
- A white or grayish-yellowish skin area.
- Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy.
- Numbness
*Seek medical care immediately if you detect symptoms of frostbite.
*Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
