The Susquehanna Valley is freezing and when temperatures dip to the single digits, health risks are heightened. Doctors with WellSpan Health say without proper gear, frostbite can happen in just a matter of minutes. Frostbite is serious and can lead to gangrene, which is the death of body tissue. If this happens, a part of your body may have to be amputated.Parents may be walking their children to school in the early morning hours.Dr. Hersh Shah, who is an urgent care physician with WellSpan Health, said it’s important for parents to ensure their kids wear a long sleeve, a jacket and multiple layers as they are coming to and from school.”They might feel uncomfortable saying ‘Oh this feels really warm. I’m getting hot or sweaty,’” Shah said. “That may be the case inside but, when you’re looking at a drastic temperature change going indoors and outdoors, I say bundle them up.” Cold weather can also have negative effects on those battling an illness or who have preexisting conditions.Low temperatures can put stress on the heart for those with preexisting heart conditions, which could increase the risk of heart attacks. The weather can also make it harder to breathe, making symptoms for those with respiratory illnesses like the flu more severe.Some who are most at risk of respiratory failure are those with existing respiratory issues like asthma. Dr. Shah said it’s important to keep an inhaler on hand at all times.”If you have a patient who has been a long-term smoker if they have a history of recurring bronchitis… that temperature itself can cause a lot of irritation to the lungs,” he said. “It can cause contraction within the lung tissue, and that can trigger attacks where you get shorter breath really quickly or feelings of chest tightness where you just are not able to get air in.”Doctors are also concerned with slippery icy surfaces in single-digit temperatures.Shah said during this time, it’s not uncommon to treat people for injuries after slipping and falling, which could be severe for children and older adults. For this reason, doctors recommend wearing boots or shoes with a good grip.
The Susquehanna Valley is freezing and when temperatures dip to the single digits, health risks are heightened.
Doctors with WellSpan Health say without proper gear, frostbite can happen in just a matter of minutes.
Frostbite is serious and can lead to gangrene, which is the death of body tissue. If this happens, a part of your body may have to be amputated.
Parents may be walking their children to school in the early morning hours.
Dr. Hersh Shah, who is an urgent care physician with WellSpan Health, said it’s important for parents to ensure their kids wear a long sleeve, a jacket and multiple layers as they are coming to and from school.
“They might feel uncomfortable saying ‘Oh this feels really warm. I’m getting hot or sweaty,’” Shah said. “That may be the case inside but, when you’re looking at a drastic temperature change going indoors and outdoors, I say bundle them up.”
Cold weather can also have negative effects on those battling an illness or who have preexisting conditions.
Low temperatures can put stress on the heart for those with preexisting heart conditions, which could increase the risk of heart attacks.
The weather can also make it harder to breathe, making symptoms for those with respiratory illnesses like the flu more severe.
Some who are most at risk of respiratory failure are those with existing respiratory issues like asthma. Dr. Shah said it’s important to keep an inhaler on hand at all times.
“If you have a patient who has been a long-term smoker if they have a history of recurring bronchitis… that temperature itself can cause a lot of irritation to the lungs,” he said. “It can cause contraction within the lung tissue, and that can trigger attacks where you get shorter breath really quickly or feelings of chest tightness where you just are not able to get air in.”
Doctors are also concerned with slippery icy surfaces in single-digit temperatures.
Shah said during this time, it’s not uncommon to treat people for injuries after slipping and falling, which could be severe for children and older adults. For this reason, doctors recommend wearing boots or shoes with a good grip.
As the winter months approach and temperatures drop, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks that come with single-digit temperatures. Exposure to cold temperatures can have serious consequences on your health, especially if you are not properly prepared.
Hypothermia is a common risk when temperatures are in the single digits. This occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your body temperature to drop to dangerous levels. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If left untreated, hypothermia can be life-threatening.
Frostbite is another concern when temperatures are extremely low. This occurs when skin and tissue freeze due to exposure to cold temperatures. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, tingling, and discoloration of the skin. Severe cases of frostbite can result in permanent damage to the affected area.
To protect yourself from these health risks, it’s important to dress warmly and in layers when going outside in single-digit temperatures. Make sure to wear a hat, gloves, and insulated clothing to keep your body heat trapped. Limit your time outdoors and seek shelter if you start to feel cold.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, seek medical attention immediately. Remember that single-digit temperatures can be dangerous, so take precautions to keep yourself safe and warm during the winter months.
Tags:
- Cold weather health risks
- Single-digit temperature dangers
- Winter health hazards
- Extreme cold health effects
- Cold weather safety tips
- Hypothermia prevention strategies
- Frostbite warning signs
- Stay safe in frigid temperatures
- Cold weather health precautions
- Protecting your health in subzero temperatures
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