Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia

Living in Iowa means living with extreme cold temperatures. With the cold comes the possibility of frostbite and hypothermia. Learn the warning signs and treatment for both conditions so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing. The nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes are most often affected. Your risk increases if you have poor blood circulation or are not properly dressed in cold weather. Frostbite is a serious condition that can lead to permanent damage or even amputation in extreme circumstances.
If you have frostbite, you will have a loss of feeling and color in the affected areas. Because tissue becomes numb, most victims are unaware of frostbite until someone points it out.
The CDC lists the following signs of frostbite:
* A white or grayish-yellow skin area
* Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
* Numbness
If you experience any of these warning signs, immediately get out of the cold and protect any exposed skin. If you can, seek medical attention. If you cannot immediately seek medical care, get to a warm area, avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes, immerse the affected area in warm - not hot - water or warm the affected areas with body heat. Do not rub or massage the affected area or heat the area by ways that may burn, such as radiators or heating pads.
Hypothermia is another cold weather condition to be aware of. According to the CDC, hypothermia occurs when you have an abnormally cold body temperature. The abnormally low body temperature impairs brain function, making you unable to think clearly or move well. As a result, the condition is extremely dangerous because you may not be aware of the condition when it happens or may not be able to do anything about it.
The CDC lists the following warning signs for hypothermia in adults:
* Shivering, drowsiness, and exhaustion
* Confusion or fumbling hands
* Memory loss or slurred speech
The following are warning signs to look for in infants:
* Bright red or cold skin
* Very low energy
If you notice any of the above symptoms, take the person's temperature. If it's below 95 degrees, immediately seek medical attention. If medical care isn't available, get the person to a warm shelter, remove any wet clothing, warm the center of his or her body first or, if the person is conscious, give him or her warm, non-alcoholic beverages.
Both conditions are very serious and should be immediately treated by a health care provider. For more information, talk to your doctor or visit the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov.