A Winter To Remember

When temperatures in the winter drop, especially below normal, staying warm and being safe can be a challenge.

“Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below normal, and as wind speed increases, heat can leave your body more rapidly. These weather-related conditions may lead to serious health problems. Extreme cold is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies in susceptible people, such as those without shelter or who are stranded, or who live in a home that is poorly insulated or without heat,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

“Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer.”, according to the CDC. 

Drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks can cause your body to lose heat more rapidly, but drinking sweet beverages or broths can help maintain your body temperature. Dressing warmly and staying dry is more important than eating healthy.

“Be sure the outer layer of your clothing is tightly woven, preferably wind resistant, to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton. Stay dry— wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm,” the CDC said.

The wind chill is the temperature your body feels when the temperature is combined with the wind speed. When the speed of the wind increases, it can take your body heat away more quickly, causing your skin temperatures to drop. When winds are high, serious weather-related health problems are more likely to appear and can even happen when the temperatures are cool. Not only are wind chills dangerous, but “walking on ice is extremely dangerous,” the CDC said.

“Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or other chemical deicing compounds,” the CDC said.

When exposed to cold temperatures, your body loses heat faster than your body can produce it. Eventually, long exposure to the cold will use your body’s stored energy.

“The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it,” the CDC said.

If a person has severe hypothermia, they may be unconscious and may seem to not have a pulse or breathing. “In this case, handle the victim gently and get emergency assistance immediately. Even if the victim appears dead, CPR should be provided. CPR should continue while the victim is being warmed, until the victim responds or medical aid becomes available,” the CDC said. 

“Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems,” the CDC said.