Broadcasters are announcing that today, February 5, is the coldest day of the year. It doesn’t take more than a minute outdoors to see what they are talking about. Most of the local schools are closed in an effort to keep kids out of the bitter tempretures. Adults still have to make our way to the store, to the office, or some other urgent errand. How can you prevent frostbite and hypothermia?
The wind and tempreture combined can cause frostbite.
Doctors say hands, feet, nose and ears are most at risk. In extreme conditions, it can happen in just 30 seconds.
Doctor Gabe Wilson, an emergency physician says first the skin will get cold, red and a swollen. The victim then feels an electric sensation and a little numbness. The skin will then start to get turn gray and the final stage of frostbite is when the skin turns
black.
The best way to prevent frostbite is to keep your skin covered. Hats, mittens and scarves all need to come out of the closet. Minimize time spent outdoors, and if you have to wait outside for any length of time, protect yourself from the wind. Standing in an entryway or busstop can block the brunt of the wind.
Another danger in this type of weather is hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, and feeling confused or sleepy outdoors. If you experience any of these symptoms, get inside quickly.
Another danger in this type of weather is hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, and feeling confused or sleepy outdoors. If you experience any of these symptoms, get inside quickly
.
If you experience symptoms of either frostbite or hypothermia, get inside quickly! Warm skin with warm water (not hot).
Keep an eye out for the elderly and children, as they are the most susceptible to the elements, and bundle up and stay warm!
Comments for this article are closed.