Tips to Stay Safe in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions

For many parts of the United States, it's has been and will continue to be a bitterly cold winter.

Conditions like hypothermia, frostbite and other health issues come to mind when extremely cold weather hits. 

"Frostbite and hypothermia are the greatest threats facing anyone who ventures outside in temperatures below freezing," said health department spokeswoman RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall, via the Star Courier, an Illinois publication. "It only takes a few minutes in subzero weather for problems to occur."

The Northeast and much of the Midwest are suffering greatly from this year's winter, with heavy snow and frigid temperatures-many below freezing in some areas where hypothermia could become a problem for those outside over longer periods of time.

Hypothermia is a condition in which the temperature of the body becomes lower than the normal 35 degrees Celsius. This usually happens when the body is exposed to cold and other conditions that cause it to lose body heat. Signs of hypothermia may include shivering and mental confusion, and in severe cases, even death.

Frostbite, on the other hand, is also a condition that some may be dealing with, depending on weather conditions. This happens due to extreme cold when there is poor blood circulation in the body. Typically, this occurs to parts of the body that are exposed farthest from the heart.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website lists tips to help reduce the risk of hypothermia by recognizing the warning signs of the health issue. For instance, among adults, signs of drowsiness, memory loss, slurred speech, fumbling hands, confusion, exhaustion and shivering are all signs that the problem could be setting in. For infants, fewer signs are available, but a general lack of energy as well as cold or bright red skin are typical warning signs.

Warning signs of frostbite may be discoloration or a lack of feeling in affected areas. 

Seeking prompt medical assistance is an important part of recovery. CDC statistics show that approximately 16,911 deaths in the United States were linked to the exposure of extreme cold from 1999 to 2011.

For those who may be suffering from hypothermia, getting into warm shelter is important asap, as well as seeking medical attention. For those who may being suffering from frostbite, gradually heating the damaged area is the first step besides getting professional help.  

Taking proper precautions, such as staying near warm areas or inside, can help prevent the issue. When going outside, it's also important to dress warmly and in layers.