Keep Warm and Healthy
While we’re all susceptible to the dangers of cold weather, older adults, young children, and people with chronic illnesses are at greatest risk because they are less able to adapt to extreme temperatures.
Hypothermia (Cold Stress)
Hypothermia, or cold stress, is a dangerous medical condition that can be life threatening if not treated promptly. Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature — which is normally about 98.6 degrees — falls to 95 degrees or lower. It can occur even when air temperatures are as mild as 60 degrees, but is most likely to occur on cold, windy days.
Warning Signs of Hypothermia
- Confusion
- Shivering Cold
- Slow Breathing
- Sleepiness
- Cold Stomach Skin
- Difficulty Walking
- Stiff Muscles
- Puffy Face
- Forgetfulness
- Trembling on One Side of the Body
If you suspect someone has hypothermia, keep calm and call for emergency assistance. Handle the individual very gently and protect him/her from the cold with blankets, jackets, or towels, making sure to cover the head and neck.
Preventing Hypothermia
- Wear layers of loose clothing.
- Cover your head and neck.
- Stay dry. If your clothes get wet, change them as soon as possible. Dry wet hair with a hair dryer immediately.
- Bundle up when you go to bed. Use extra blankets, wear a nightcap, long underwear and socks.
- Consume nourishing meals and warm drinks to help keep your body warm.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Stay in touch with friends, family members and neighbors during cold weather. If you’re an older adult, ask someone to call you regularly.
Warm Tips for Cold Weather
You can conserve energy without compromising your comfort in cold weather. Keeping warm and healthy during cold weather while minimizing your energy use can be accomplished by setting your thermostat at the lowest comfortable setting. A setting of 68 degrees is comfortable for most people.