Winter 'Warming' Part 1

Older people are especially susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite because their bodies don't adjust as well to cold weather. Hypothermia and frostbite can occur when we are over-exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain and may occur even in relatively mild weather.


Wet clothing is a common cause of hypothermia because it reduces body heat. Besides impairing judgment, alcohol opens up (dilates) blood vessels beneath the skin, which creates a dangerously misleading sensation of warmth even as body heat escapes. What are the symptoms of hypothermia?


Early symptoms include:

• Severe shivering.
• Cold, pale, or blue-gray skin.
• Lack of interest or concern (apathy).
• Poor judgment.
• Mild unsteadiness in balance or walking.
• Slurred speech.
• Numb hands and fingers and difficulty performing tasks.


Late symptoms include:

• The trunk of the body is cold to the touch.
• Muscles become stiff.
• Slow pulse.
• Breathing that is shallow and slower.
• Weakness or sleepiness.
• Confusion.
• Loss of consciousness
• Cessation of shivering if body temperature drops below 90F.


Treatment depends on the severity of the hypothermia. Treatment of mild hypothermia includes getting out of the cold or wet environment, and slowly re-warming the body using warm blankets, heaters, and hot water bottles. Moderate to severe hypothermia generally is treated in the hospital, where health professionals can give warmed intravenous fluids and warm, moist oxygen in addition to other treatments to warm the core body temperature.


Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite; although it is uncomfortable, it doesn't damage skin. Frostbite occurs when tissues freeze. This condition happens when you are exposed to temperatures below the freezing point of skin. The nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes are most commonly affected. Everyone is susceptible to these conditions, even people who have been living in cold climates for most of their lives.


Signs of frostnip include:

• Pale skin
• Numbness
• Tingling in the affected area


In superficial frostbite, the symptoms worsen and burning or itching may also occur. The regions appear white and frozen, but if pressed they retain some resistance. Medical evaluation is vital; a doctor must be able to see and feel the affected area. The best treatment if these symptoms are experienced is to slowly re-warm the affected areas.


Both frostnip and frostbite can be avoided by dressing warmly and covering exposed areas with hats, ear muffs, and gloves. Avoid prolonged periods outdoors and excessive intake of alcohol in outdoor settings.