Feeling the winter chill? Don’t stay out in the cold too long; it can be damaging to your health. Hypothermia in humans is when body temperature drops below normal. This happens in 3 stages.

Stage 1: Your body temperature falls 2 to 4 degrees below normal and you start shivering. Outer appendages become numb and you find it hard to use your hands. You skin begins to goose pimple in an effort to keep your body warm.

Stage 2: Your body temperature falls 4 to 7 degrees below normal and your shivering becomes excessively severe and violent. Muscle coordination is compromised and body movement is sluggish. Your skin begins to develop a pallor as blood vessels contract further to keep vital organs warm. Lips, ears, fingers and toes become blue.

Stage 3: Your body temperature falls below 90 degrees and you stop shivering. Muscle coordination is poor and you have difficulty speaking, thinking and moving. Exposed skin becomes blue and puffy. Your heart and breathing rate slows and major organs begin to fail.

What to do to treat mild hypothermia

If you come across someone suffering from mild hypothermia, remove any wet clothing and replace with something dry and then warm them with your body. Blankets are all well and good, but they only help to trap the heat of your body, something a person with hypothermia does not have a lot right now. Do not rub their skin.

If someone is suffering from mild hypothermia, you can treat it by drinking warm liquids like tea. You can also put hot water bottles (that aren’t too terribly hot to begin with) or heating pads on their neck, armpits and groin.

What to do to treat severe hypothermia

Someone suffering from stage 2 or 3 hypothermia should seek medical attention immediately. If heartbeat or breathing has stopped, the person should not be considered dead.

Remarkable accounts of recovery after prolonged cardiac arrest have been reported in patients with hypothermia. This is presumably because the low temperature prevents some of the cellular damage that occurs when blood flow and oxygen are lost for an extended period of time.

How to prevent hypothermia

If you plan on being outside in the cold for a long time, dress accordingly. This means dressing in layers, wearing insulated gloves and socks, a hat, boots, et cetera. Be sure you have eaten and drank enough fluids to keep you hydrated. Winter dehydration is more common than people think.

You can also prevent hypothermia by putting some of these natural “warming” herbs and spices in your foods: turmeric, ginger, garlic, basil and cayenne pepper. You should also avoid substances which constrict your blood vessels, like caffeine and tobacco. Alcohol should also be avoided.

–Magdalena

Have any tips on how to treat or prevent hypothermia? Comment and share them with us!

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