When a person’s body loses heat faster than it can produce it, a person is in real danger of hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature is extremely low. Everyone knows that the normal body temperature is around 98.6 F or 37 C. However, once the temperature of the body becomes lower than 95 F or 35 C, hypothermia occurs. A lot of people are not aware of the fact that the heart, nervous system and various other organs cannot function properly when the temperature of the body is low. In cases when hypothermia is left untreated a person’s heart will stop working completely resulting in his or her death. In most cases, people suffer from hypothermia when they are exposed to extremely cold weather for a long time. In such cases people should get the body temperature back to normal.
Prevention
Staying warm in cold weather
Before a person or his or her child goes out in the cold weather, he or she needs to make sure that proper clothing is being worn. Wearing a hat is important because it does not allow the heat from the face, neck and head to leave. Mittens are far better than gloves because fingers are in contact with one another. A person should not participate in any activity that will make him or her sweat a lot. It is best to wear layered and lightweight clothes in cold weather. Inner layers should be of wool and not cotton because it preserves heat better. A person should also make sure to stay dry for as long as possible. As soon as the clothes become wet a person should change them. Keeping children safe outdoors
In order to make sure that the child does not get hypothermia a parent should always dress the child in one more layer than him or herself. A child should not be left outside for a long time and the parent should make sure that the child gets inside to warm up frequently.
Winter car safety
A person should make sure that he or she has emergency supplies in the car during the cold months. Blankets, matches, candles and canned food are important.
Alcohol consumption
During the cold months a person should not drink alcohol when he or she goes outside, boating and even before going to sleep.
Cold water safety
A lot of people are not aware of the fact that water does not have to be extremely cold to cause hypothermia. Wearing a life jacket can save a person’s life and he or she should always wear one when riding in a watercraft. Getting out of water is essential for avoiding hypothermia. People should avoid swimming unless shore or a boat is close in order to preserve energy. Also, removing the clothes when a person is in water is wrong.
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