WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
In hypothermia (HI-po-THER-me-uh), your temperature drops
so far below normal that the body can no longer function
normally. Although you are most likely to develop this
condition in freezing weather, it can also happen when the air
is merely cold. Left uncorrected, it can be fatal.
Hypothermia is most common among older people and babies, whose
bodies are not quick to adjust to temperature
changes.
Causes
Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually cause body
temperature to fall. It will fall faster if the weather is
windy or your body is wet. Alcohol and certain drugs can
encourage hypothermia.
Signs/Symptoms
Typical warning signs are
confusion, shivering, and weakness or drowsiness. Eventually,
the fingers and toes turn purple, muscles stop functioning
normally, and breathing slows. Ultimately, you may lose
consciousness.
Care
Someone will need to take you to
the hospital. While waiting for help to come, follow the
directions below.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Before going to the hospital, try to rewarm yourself.
Cover yourself with a blanket, take a warm (not hot) bath,
or drink hot chocolate or warm soup.
-
Do not drink alcohol; it can make hypothermia
worse.
-
In cold weather:
-
Wear several loose layers of warm, windproof
clothing.
-
Wear a hat and scarf to help retain heat in your
head and neck.
-
Stay dry. Moisture from sweating, rain, or melting
snow can reduce the protective value of
clothing.
-
Avoid going out in extremely cold
weather.
-
Wear warm clothing indoors during cold weather. Use
extra blankets because hypothermia can occur when you
sleep.
-
Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. Stay
as active as possible. Do not drink alcohol because it
causes the body to lose heat faster.
-
If you are over 60 years of age:
-
If you live alone, have a neighbor, relative, or
friend call or check-in on you every day during cold
weather.
-
Your body temperature may become dangerously low
without your realizing it. Check your temperature every
now and then, especially in cold weather. If you have
trouble reading the thermometer, ask a friend or relative
to read it for you. Normal temperature is 98.6 degrees F
or 37 degrees C.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your body temperature falls at all in cold
weather.
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