Winter is the season for illnesses such as the cold and flu, but exposure to cold weather can lead to more serious health problems. When low temperatures, brisk winds or wet clothing, have chilled a person and the body can no longer warm itself from the frigid winter weather, cold-related illnesses, such as frostbite and hypothermia, can occur and cause permanent damage.
Frostbite is a common illness that results from exposure to harsh, cold weather. Frostbite is freezing in the deep layers of skin and tissue. Indications are pale, waxy-white skin color and hard, numb skin. It usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears and nose.
When frostbite occurs, move the person to a warm, dry area. Remove any wet or tight clothing that may affect blood flow. Do not rub the affected area because rubbing causes damage to the skin and tissue. Gently place the affected area in warm (105-degree) water and monitor the temperature for about 25-40 minutes. When skin is affected by frostbite, the area may have a burning feeling or numbness. After normal feeling and skin color have returned, the area should be dried and wrapped to keep warm. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Hypothermia is a more serious illness that results from time spent in a cold, windy environment. The normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees, when it drops below 95 degrees a worker begins to develop hypothermia. Other symptoms that occur are fatigue or drowsiness, uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements or irritable, confused behavior.
Since this can happen on land or in water, this situation can be dealt with in two ways. On land, call 911 and move the person to a warm, dry area. Remove wet clothing and have the person drink warm, sweet drinks. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Have the person move their arms and legs to create muscle heat. Do not rub their body or place in warm water. This may stop the heart.
In the case of water hypothermia, call 911 immediately. Body heat is lost up to 25 times faster in water. Do not remove clothing, and keep the head above water. Get out of the water as quickly as quickly as possible, but do not attempt to swim because physical activity uses the body heat and reduces survival time by about 50 percent. If getting out of the water is not possible, conserve heat by folding arms, keeping thighs together, bending knees and crossing ankles.
Source: Ohio Lawn Care Association