Preparation, Protection And Prevention Give Old Man Winter The Cold Shoulder

When it comes to combating the dangers that winter weather can bring, doctors are urging patients to remember the three P’s: preparation, protection, and prevention.

Serious cold-related injuries and health risks can occur when your body loses its ability to warm itself, a condition known as hypothermia. Hypothermia can result in permanent tissue damage or even death if the warning signs are ignored. Hypothermia can slowly overcome a patient who has been chilled by low temperatures, a brisk wind, or wet clothing.

“What can occur with hypothermia is that the onset can happen gradually, and that’s the real danger,” warns Dr Phil Brewer, attending physician in the department of emergency medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital. “People often can think they are just cold and will gradually warm up but when that doesn’t happen due to prolonged exposure to cold weather, wind, or wet clothing, hypothermia can quickly move in and effect a person without their realizing it. It then becomes imperative for that person to seek out medical treatment by understanding the warning signs.” Those signs can include fatigue, drowsiness, uncontrolled shivering, cool bluish skin, slurred speech, or clumsy movements as well as irritable or irrational and confused behavior.

Dr Brewer warns that in cold weather, those who work outside are the ones most likely to fall victim to inclement weather. Prolonged exposure to the elements can place a person in danger of frostbite, which usually affects the extremities such as fingers, toes, hands, feet, ears, and the nose.

“Frostbite is the deep freezing of layers of skin and tissue where the skin becomes hard and numb, and can look pale and waxy white,” said Dr Brewer. “This is extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.”

People can help protect themselves and those they work with by following some simple yet important guidelines during the winter months:

Be aware of changing weather conditions and prepare for them.

Learn the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and the first aid procedures for their treatment. Especially important for people who work outside for prolonged periods.

Select proper clothing for cold, wet, or windy weather. A hat and gloves will help keep extremities warm while layers of clothing make it easier to adjust to fluctuating temperatures and conditions.

The colder the weather, the more often you should take short breaks in warm, dry shelter to allow your body to warm up.

Whenever, possible, schedule outdoor activity for the warmest part of the day.

Your body uses energy to keep muscles warm so avoid fatigue or exhaustion.

Keep your body energized with warm, sweet beverages such as cocoa or sports drinks and warm, high calorie foods like pasta. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Finally, use the buddy system. Always work with at least one other person and test each other on your knowledge of the symptoms and treatments of cold-related illnesses.