Happy New Years Eve

 

Happy New Years Eve!

Preventing Frostbite

 

Last time, I explored what frostbite is and how you get it but today we are looking at preventing it. As stated last time, it is possible to get frostbite without the temperatures being super cold.  All you need is enough wind chill to take the temperature down to 25 below zero or being on a snow machine, ATV, or motorcycle and going fast enough to experience wind chill that low. 

Fortunately there are ways to help decrease your chances of experiencing frostbite.  First of all, you should dress in multiple layers of loose warm clothing because the air captured between the layers of clothing helps provide insulation.  Make sure to wear windproof or waterproof garments on top of everything to protect against rain, snow, or wind.  In addition, choose undergarments that help wick moisture away from your body.  Furthermore, change out wet clothing, especially hats, gloves, and socks as soon as possible.  

Make sure you wear a hat or headband that fully covers your head and ears.  Choose something made of wool or windproof materials for the most protection.  In addition, wear mittens rather than gloves because the mittens provide better protection.  If you want to, you can wear a pair of gloves made out of a material that wicks moisture away from the body underneath the mittens.  As far as socks or sock liners go, choose ones that fit well, wick moisture away from the skin, and provide insulation.  Think about using hand and or foot warmers but make sure the foot warmers do not make the boots too tight. 

When you go out, limit your time outside in the wind, cold, or wet weather.  If you are planning to go outside, check the weather report to see how chilly it will get and don't forget about the wind chill factor.  If you aren't careful, you can get frostbite in a matter of minutes.  When you go outside, monitor yourself for signs of frostbite.  Look for changes in skin color, prickling, or numbness and if you observe any of these symptoms, immediately head inside to a warmer place.  

Furthermore, do not drink alcohol because it makes you lose your body heat.  Eat well and stay hydrated.  Finally, make sure you move around when you are outside because movement helps you stay warm but don't overdue it.  The best way to avoid frostbite is to follow these suggestions.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

Avoiding Frostbite

 

This is a topic, I should have written about earlier but I'm doing it today because with weather being nasty and a possibility of more nasty weather later in the winter, it is an important topic.  Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze. In the early stages when your skin gets cold and you have a prickly feel, there is going to be no permanent damage.  It is referred to as frost nip and one's hands can easily be warmed. As the process increases, the fingers become numb and the skin is hard and waxy.  It happens most often in cold windy weather and it can effect the skin even when covered by gloves or clothing.  

The chin, cheeks, fingers, toes, nose, and ears are the areas most likely to suffer frostbite. It is possible to have frostbite without realizing it until someone points it out.  

In general, symptoms associated with frostbite include cold skin, a prickly feeling and numbness, skin that ranges from red, to whitish, to blueish-white, grayish-yellow, purple, or brown depending on the skin. The skin becomes hard and waxy, a person becomes clumsy when joints and muscles become stiff, and blisters appear after rewarming.

These symptoms appear during one of the three stages of frostbite.  The first stage as mentioned before is frostnip. It is the mildest form of frost bite. Your fingers might become numb but as they warm, you'll feel a bit of tingling. The second stage is superficial frostbite, where the skin color undergoes slight changes, and the skin begins to feel warm.  If you rewarm the skin, you might notice the skin becomes mottled and you'll experience stinging, burning, and swelling.  Within 12 to 36 hours a fluid filled blister may appear.  

In the third stage, deep or severe frostbite, all layers of the skin and the tissues underneath are effected. The skin changes from pink to white or blue-grey and you no longer feel any cold, pain, or discomfort in the effected area.  In addition, a person's joints and or muscles may stop working.  Then within 12 to 24 hours, large fluid filled blisters form, the skin turns black, and hard due because it has died.  

It is best to see the doctor if you experience any symptoms associated with the second and third stages of frostbite, experience an increase of pain, swelling, inflammation, or weeping from frostbitten areas, you develop a fever, or you experience new and unexplained symptoms. 

If you think you can't get frostbite because the temperature is above zero, that isn't quite true.  It is possible to get frostbite if the temperature is below zero or if the wind chill drops to 25 degrees below zero.  So take care during this winter weather and be safe.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.

Happy Boxing Day

Happy Boxing Day  

Seasons Greetings

 

Happy Christmas Eve.

 Happy Christmas Eve 

Nasty Weather And Margional Internet

Internet is more down than up due to weather.