Cold Weather Injuries
Landisville Family Health Center

The winter is a great season for many of us, filled with outdoor activities like hunting, skiing and sledding. Even the less pleasant tasks of winter (such as clearing snow from your sidewalk) have some benefit in terms of exercise. We'll talk about the risks of cold weather and how to avoid health problems while you enjoy the winter.

Whenever you are in an environment where the temperature is less than your body temperature, you lose body heat to the environment. This becomes a problem especially below 40 degrees. Even above that temperature, you can get hurt if you are wet from rain or from sweating. Wind chill occurs when the speed of the wind carries body heat away even more quickly, with a greater potential for injury in cold temperatures.

The most common cold injuries are to exposed or wet skin (face, hands and feet). At the first sign of redness or pain in any skin area, you should get out of the cold. If you can't get out of the cold, you should protect the area by covering and warming it. Hats and knit covers for the face work well, and mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves. Keep your skin as dry as possible to avoid injury. Never re-warm your skin with ice or hot water, as these will cause more injury.

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can be produced, causing a drop in your body temperature. People at risk are those who stay outdoors for extended periods (hunters, those working outside, the homeless), the elderly, babies, unsupervised children, and adults under the influence of alcohol. Signs of hypothermia include confusion, lack of coordination, shivering, drowsiness, slurred speech and difficulty concentrating. This is a serious medical problem, and can lead to death if ignored. You must get out of the cold if you have any of these signs. For example, take a break inside if you are shivering. You can avoid hypothermia by dressing in layers (so that clothing can be removed as you get warm with exercise, and added when you cool off), wearing a wind-proof outer layer, staying dry, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. If possible, work with your back to the wind, or in a sheltered area.

Enjoy the winter and all its activities, but protect yourself from injuries with these simple tips. Have a safe outdoor experience!