Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Winter 2020

Chances are you know this: Bitter cold can cause hypothermia, a serious, potentially deadly medical condition. It happens when someone’s body temperature becomes dangerously low. But this may surprise you: Hypothermia can strike in temperatures as warm as 60 degrees. For example, it can develop in people chilled by rain, particularly if they’re outside for a long time. It can also affect people stranded in cold water. Most people who have hypothermia don’t realize it. Or if they do, they may not be able to take steps to get warmer. A low body temperature can make it hard to think, speak or move. (A body temperature of 95 degrees or lower is considered hypothermia.) What’s more, hypothermia can progress rapidly. Every year in the U.S. hypothermia kills hundreds of people, half of them 65 and older. Seniors are WINTER SAFETY Hypothermia can strike in temperatures as warm as 60 degrees. especially vulnerable because as we grow older, we lose body heat faster. Certain health problems also raise the risk of hypothermia, including diabetes, poor circulation and thyroid problems. Know the red flags Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call 911 right away if you suspect someone has it. Early signs of hypothermia include: X X Cold feet and hands. X X Puffy or swollen face. X X Pale skin. X X Shivering. X X Slower speech or slurred words. X X Sleepiness or low energy. X X Confusion. Later signs include: X X Slow or clumsy movements. X X Trouble walking. X X Jerky arm or leg movements. X X Slow, irregular heartbeat. X X Slow, shallow breathing. X X Loss of consciousness. While you are waiting for help, gently move the person out of the cold or wet environment if possible. Remove any wet clothes. Then lie next to the person and put a blanket, or whatever is handy, over both of you. Your body heat will provide extra warmth. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health; National Weather Service The cold truth about hypothermia 12 House Calls Winter 2020