1-12-10

Cold Weather Tips

Cold outdoor temperatures can cause dangerous frostbite if precautions are not taken.

One of the most common weather-related injuries treated by doctors in winter is frostbite.  Dr. Amber Barnhart, associate professor of family and community medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says if people are going to be outdoors for long periods of time, they need to take precautions.

SOUND BITE: “ . . . definitely cover up all parts of our body.  Do not have any part of your skin exposed.  That includes ears and noses so having ear muffs on or a scarf or hat around your head, and then having a scarf over your head or a face mask really does help protect those parts of the body.  Wearing good gloves and have at least one layer of socks and really having several layers helps retain the warmth even more for your toes.”

Dr. Barnhart says when frostbite occurs, the skin becomes hard, pale and cold.  The area may develop a lack of sensitivity to touch, although there may also be an aching pain.  She says if someone suspects they may have frostbite, they should go inside immediately to warm up.

SOUND BITE: “ . . . start out slow, ideally warm up your body’s extremities to body temperature like putting your hands under shirt or actually in your arm pits or between body parts that can stay warm and warm up slower to room temperature and body temperature.  And then you can start warming up more aggressively with the warm water and the hot water.” 

Dr. Barnhart says when traveling by car, people should take precautions in case they get stranded along the road in bad weather.  Items to take should include outerwear, blankets, candles, flashlights, sand, food and water.  If someone gets serious frostbite, they should promptly see a primary care physician or go to the emergency room for evaluation and possible treatment.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.