Baby, It Is Cold Outside!

When Paul Timm was busy making snowballs one winter, he never noticed that his knuckles were starting to burn. A burning feeling is exactly how the doctor described frostbite.

Winter temperatures require special preparations. Dress properly for winter weather in order to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Both can happen quickly.

Children are at risk in the cold
Children are prone to serious winter injury. If they do not feel cold they may not know they are at risk.

Before frostbite happens, frostnip can occur. Frostnip skin will look pale or have gray patches, expecially on cheeks and hands. Bring the person indoors if this happens. Warm the cold area by placing your warm hands on the skin with the injury. Do not rub.

Use slightly warm water to warm the tissue. Cover the area with ointment and sterile bandages if the skin blisters.
Blisters appeared on Paul's knuckles. They remained painful for many months. Only nightly treatment with ointment brought relief from the pain. He is careful not to re-injure his hands. He always keeps his hands covered in winter.

Frostbite is a serious condition that needs a doctor's attention. Areas with the least amount of blood flow, like ears, hands and feet, can start to freeze. Children are in danger because they lose body heat fast.
Kids do not want to come in from winter fun. When they are outside, parents should check on them every 20 minutes or so.

Frostbite causes tissue to become hard, pale, cold, and numb. Do not rub the frostbite area. Simply cover it gently and call your doctor.

Tips for dressing for the cold
To prepare for the cold, do the following:
• Dress in loose layers of clothing
• Wear mittens, not gloves
• Wear a hat that covers ears
• Wear two pairs of socks
• Do not wear tight shoes that pinch toes
• Use a scarf to cover the nose and mouth
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get warm if you shiver, feel sleepy, or confused.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol
• Understand that wind-chill makes a person colder faster
• Increase activity
• Change quickly out of wet clothes
• Pack extra socks and gloves for kids in their backpack.

If you are stranded in a car
Finally, winter is no time to be stranded in your car. Do not get caught in the car without winter items. Keep candy bars or crackers in your car. Pack a blanket and extra gloves and socks in the trunk of your car in the event of an emergency. Buy instant hand warmers. Keep a flashlight and flares handy. Stay with your car until help arrives.

Reprinted from The Key, Jan. 2005

Wind Chill Chart
The chart shows how mild or moderately strong winds can cause cold temperatures to become much colder. In this case, you can see what happens when the temperature is 15 degrees.

Source: Reprinted from The Key, Dec. 2002