Date: December 29, 2010
Contact: Christine Gorey
Phone: 330-948-5559/330-344-7819
Email: cgorey@agmc.org
Emergency Department Shares Cold Weather Tips
As snow and ice pile up around us and temperatures plummet, the Emergency Department at Lodi Community Hospital reminds us that it is important to protect ourselves from the dangers of extreme weather. One way to do this is to follow these cold weather tips:
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold can cause dangerous conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
Here are a few helpful tips to dress for colder weather:
- Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight; warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
- Wear mittens (they are warmer than gloves).
- Wear a hat.
- Cover your mouth with a scarf to help protect your lungs.
- Wear water-resistant boots or shoes.
Do not ignore shivering. It's an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors. In addition to dressing properly, eating well balanced meals will help you stay warmer. If you notice any signs of frostbite, seek medical attention.
Area residents are encouraged to remember to always dial 911 in an emergency and allow medical personnel to evaluate the seriousness of your condition. When time is of the essence, be sure to get to the closest ER for quick evaluation and treatment. However, for other times when you need to visit an area emergency room, take charge of your valuable time by visiting www.lodihospital.org to see an estimate of our current wait time.
