Get the Best Family Activities
Children, the elderly, and those with heart disease are at special risk. As people age, their ability to maintain a normal internal body temperature often decreases. Because elderly people seem to be relatively insensitive to moderately cold conditions, they can suffer hypothermia without knowing they're in danger.
Stay Warm
People with coronary heart disease often suffer chest pain or discomfort called angina pectoris when they're in cold weather. In addition to cold temperatures, high winds, snow, and rain also can steal body heat. Wind is especially dangerous, because it removes the layer of heated air from around your body. Similarly, dampness causes the body to lose heat faster than it would at the same temperature in drier conditions.
To keep warm, wear layers of clothing. This traps air between layers, forming a protective insulation. Also, wear a hat or headscarf. Much of your body's heat can be lost through your head, and ears are especially prone to frostbite. Keep your hands and feet warm, too, as they tend to lose heat rapidly.
Avoid alcohol before heading outdoors
Alcohol gives an initial feeling of warmth, but this is caused by expanding blood vessels in the skin. Heat is then drawn away from the body's vital organs. Alcohol consumption and physical activity in harsh winter weather conditions can increase the likelihood of hypothermia.
Learn CPR and/or Hands-Only CPR
About 80 percent of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in private residential settings, so being trained to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one. Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after cardiac arrest, can double a victim's chance of survival.
For more tips from The American Heart Association, visit www.americanheart.org.
