Dear Members of Benediction,
Winter in Wisconsin is nothing new to hardy Midwesterners, but it does carry its own risks. I hope the information below can help keep you safe and well – so you can enjoy the weather.
Blessings,
Cheri Miklas, RN, Parish Nurse
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite occurs when the body’s fluids and soft tissues actually freeze and form ice crystals. Your extremities including fingers, toes, nose, cheeks, and ears are at most risk. The following are symptoms:
- Skin that looks white or waxy to gray or blue
- A cold feeling in the extremity that disappears and is replaced with numbness
- Blisters on the frozen body part
Preventing frostbite is a matter of protecting your extremities and listening to your body.
- Wear waterproof clothes.
- Cover as much skin as possible, especially hands and feet.
- Put on thick wool or synthetic socks with waterproof, insulated boots.
- Wear mittens, which promote heat by allowing fingers to touch, or insulated gloves.
- Wear a scarf or hat. Most body heat escapes through the head. Consider wearing a ski mask to protect your nose and cheeks, and earmuffs if you don’t have a hat or scarf that covers the ears.
Hypothermia is another cold weather risk and occurs when your body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees. When your body becomes very cold, your body functions begin to slow down. As these systems shut down, brain function slows, resulting in confusion and disorientation. If you are cold, your body tries to protect itself by shivering. A big clue that you are becoming hypothermic is that your body stops shivering. This is an attempt to conserve energy, but it is also a critical warning sign that you should immediately go inside and warm up. Hypothermia can be life threatening, and it can be surprising because it may strike even if temperatures are above freezing. If you’re wet, exhausted, and there is a wind chill factor, you are at risk. Look for these symptoms of hypothermia:
- Shivering
- A feeling of cold, followed by pain in the extremities, also cool skin or facial puffiness
- Numbness or stiffness in the extremities
- Drowsiness, slow breathing or heart rate.
- Poor coordination, slurred speech, or confusion or disorientation.
You can prevent hypothermia by dressing for the weather. In addition to the recommendations for preventing frostbite, wear layers of clothing on your torso, legs and arms. If you become too warm, you can always take off a layer. In addition to dressing appropriately, avoid alcohol and stay dry. If you get wet, remove damp clothing immediately and change into dry clothes quickly.
If you or someone you know becomes a victim of frostbite or hypothermia, follow these guidelines:
- Get out of the cold and inside as soon as possible.
- Put on loose, warm dry clothing and cover the victim with heavy blankets.
- Provide a warm drink with no caffeine or alcohol. This includes no hot chocolate.
- Warm up frostbitten fingers and toes with lukewarm, not hot water.
- Do not rub a frostbitten area or break any skin blisters.
- Do not allow a victim to walk on frostbitten feet.
- Do not expose a victim to any heat source including a hot tub, hot water bottle, heating pad, electric blanket or fireplace. Allow warming to occur gradually.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
You don’t have to be afraid of our cold winter weather – it’s healthy to get out and enjoy it. Just take precautions, use common sense and ask you doctor if you have any concerns.
Information compiled from an article written by Dr. Vinodkumar Shaw, MD – Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group