Cold weather can be harmful to your health. While the health risks related to cold are higher for certain groups (such as people who work outdoors, people with pre-existing heart conditions or respiratory illnesses, older adults, infants, young children, and those who are experiencing homelessness), everyone is potentially at risk. Fortunately, most cold-related injuries can be prevented or treated if you are aware of the risks, signs, and symptoms. This information can help you to plan ahead, and take action to protect yourself and your family.
Cold weather can result in the development of cold-related injuries, such as windburn, frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia.
Occurs when cold wind removes the top layer of oil from the skin
Mild form of frostbite, only the skin freezes
Both skin and the underlying tissue are frozen
Occurs when body loses heat faster than it can produce it
Stage 1: Shivering, goose bumps on skin, numb hands, quick and shallow breathing, fatigue
Stage 2: Warm sensation, strong shivering, uncoordinated movements, mild confusion, lips/ears/fingers/toes may turn blue
Stage 3: In severe cases, frostbite can affect speaking, thinking and walking, amnesia may develop, blue/puffy skin
Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone may have hypothermia.
While waiting for help:
Do not fight shivering, it’s one of the ways the body increases its core temperature.
Adapted from Health Canada: It’s your Health-Extreme Cold
Links
[1] https://www.wechu.org/tags/cold-weather
[2] https://www.wechu.org/tags/frostbite
[3] https://www.wechu.org/tags/hypothermia
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