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Protect against cold weather and frostbite
From
the Student Health Service The
Student Health
Service advises students to protect themselves
against
frostbite, a medical condition that damages skin and other
tissues due to extreme cold (at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit
or 0 degrees Celsius).
When
your body is exposed to cold for too long, your body will start
to protect itself by narrowing blood vessels that are close
to the skin, thus reducing blood flow. The combination of low blood
flow and cold temperature can freeze the skin tissue and can cause
severe injury.
Although
people don't always know or acknowledge these dangers, many of
the dangers can be reduced or prevented. Here's how you can protect yourself from frostbite:
- Layers
are best.
- Mittens
are better than gloves; they keep your warm fingers together
so they can warm each other.
- Wear
two pairs of socks with the inner layer made of synthetic fiber,
such as polypropylene,
to wick water away from the
skin. The outer layer should be made of wool for increased insulation.
- Shoes
should be waterproof.
- Always
cover your head, face, nose and ears during severe cold temperatures.
- Clothes
should fit loosely to avoid a decrease in blood flow to the
arms and legs.
- Always
travel with a friend in case help is needed.
- Avoid
drinking alcohol.
- Avoid
smoking.
- People
who have diabetes and anyone with vessel disease as well as
people who are very young, very old or
are physically unconditioned should take extra precautions.
- Be
especially wary of wet and windy conditions. The "feels
like" temperature (wind chill factor)
is much lower than the stated air temperature.
How
do I know if I have frostbite?
Generally, frostbite is accompanied by discoloration of the skin,
along with burning and/or tingling sensations, partial or complete
numbness, and, possibly, intense pain. If frostbite is severe and
left untreated, frostbitten skin gradually darkens after a few
hours. Skin destroyed by frostbite is completely black and looks
loose and flayed, as if burned.
For more information about frostbite visit the WebMD
Web site.
If
you suspect that you have experienced frostbite, seek medical
care by contacting the Student
Health Service, (651) 962-6750.
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