Frostbitten, Twice Shy
Posted on | January 24, 2008 |
After feeling numbness in one of her toes, a friend of mine went to the doctor to discover that her toe was frostbitten!
When the mercury plummets, frostbite can become a real possibility (Tom Coughlin’s face after Sunday’s Giants/Packers game, anyone?!?).
So what can you do to stay warm and keep your skin safe? A few tips from the CDC and just some plain common sense:
1. Dress warmly! Wear many layers and choose “breathable” fabrics like wool, silk, or polypropylene - these fabrics will hold more body heat than cotton, according to the CDC. What to wear:
- Hat (wool works well)
- Mittens/gloves (mittens are usually best - your fingers can warm each other by staying close together)
- Long underwear
- One-two long-sleeved shirts
- Sweater
- Pants (choose snowpants if playing outside)
- Warm thermal or wool socks
- Coat (choose a longer-length, properly insulated coat)
- Boots with a thicker sole and some insulation (my friend was wearing thin-soled boots with heels!)
2. Going out? Bring someone else with you. They can help identify signs of frostbite such as:
- a white or grayish-yellow skin area
- skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- numbness
What to do if you suspect frostbite…
3. Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing
heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors. Take plenty of regular breaks.
4. Keep moving. Movement can increase blood flow to the extremities - nose, ears, fingers and toes - which are particularly vulnerable spots for frostbite.
More winter weather preparedness articles and tips…
Comments
Leave a Reply