November 13, 2019
Cold Weather Is Here….What You Need to Know About Hypothermia
Hypothermia is what happens when your body temperature gets very low. For an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse.
A heavy wind can quickly lower your body temperature. Check the weather forecast for windy and cold days. On those days, try to stay inside or in a warm place. If you have to go out, wear warm clothes, and don’t stay out in the cold and wind for a long time.
Here are some other tips:
1.Dress for the weather if you have to go out on chilly, cold, or damp days.
2.Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm.
3.Put on a hat and scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered.
4.Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it’s snowy.
5.Change your clothes right away if they get damp or wet.
Sometimes it is hard to tell if a person has hypothermia. Look for clues. Is the house very cold? Is the person not dressed for cold weather? Is the person speaking slower than normal and having trouble keeping his or her balance?
Watch for the signs of hypothermia in yourself, too. You might become confused if your body temperature gets very low. Talk to your family and friends about the warning signs so they can look out for you.
Early signs of hypothermia:
Cold feet and hands
Puffy or swollen face
Pale skin
Shivering (in some cases the person with hypothermia does not shiver)
Slower than normal speech or slurring words
Acting sleepy
Being angry or confused
Later signs of hypothermia:
Moving slowly, trouble walking, or being clumsy
Stiff and jerky arm or leg movements
Slow heartbeat
Slow, shallow breathing
Blacking out or losing consciousness
Call 9-1-1 right away if you think someone has warning signs of hypothermia.