We may be weather-tough as Illinoisans, but bitterly cold temperatures can get the best of anyone.
1NBC Chicago reported that in December, a 74-year-old woman died in Chicago’s Lower West Side due to cold exposure and hypothermia. Additionally, last Thursday, a 60-year-old man was found deceased in Schiller Park, and the medical examiner confirmed he, too, died of environmental cold exposure and hypothermia.
Details of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these two aging adults were not shared in the report, but I feel terrible for these seniors and their families. It simply intensifies my concern as owner of Home Helpers to provide vital information to help in any way I can!
“Two of the most common maladies associated with freezing cold weather are frostbite and hypothermia, both of which can lead to serious health issues, or even death,” one NBC Chicago report explains.
So, let’s review the signs and symptoms of serious cold weather-related health conditions:
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze. A person experiencing frostbite is usually not aware, as their frozen tissue is typically numb, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Several levels precede frostbite, and these include “frostnip” and “superficial frostbite.”
Frostnip is the first warning sign that a person is in danger of frostbite and areas impacted should be treated by rewarming as soon as possible. Rewarm affected areas in warm water rather than hot water. Hot water is not advisable because it may cause further damage.
You will know you have frostnip if the skin feels cold and there is a sensation of being pricked by pins and needles.
Fireplaces or artificial heat sources also should be avoided for rewarming affected limbs and digits, and those afflicted are encouraged not to rub or put pressure on frost-nipped fingers or toes.
Superficial frostbite is the second level that precedes full-blown frostbite. This condition can cause changes to skin color and make the affected areas feel warm, which is reason for serious concern.
Rewarming impacted areas at this stage can cause swelling, stinging, or burning, at which time immediate medical attention is advised.
Full-on frostbite can result in pain, swelling, and discharge from the affected areas. Fever can also arise, as can permanent damage to skin, muscle, bone, and other tissues.
Hypothermia
Like frostbite, hypothermia occurs after prolonged exposure to cold weather and winter elements, and the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Hypothermia is more serious than frostbite and results after a person gets wet and chilled.
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, and the loss of coordination.
Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms needs to be moved to a warm area immediately. Removing wet clothing and warming up with dry layers of blankets or clothing is imperative, and medical attention is also required for these symptoms.
In another 2NBC Chicago report, the American Red Cross recommends you take the following steps to address hypothermia if medical assistance is delayed:
- Gently move yourself or the affected person to a warm place.
- Monitor breathing and circulation.
- Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed.
- Remove any wet clothing and pat dry the skin.
- Warm up slowly by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on.
- Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel before applying to the skin. Do not warm yourself or the affected person too quickly, such as by bathing or showering in warm water.
- Warm the core first (torso and abdomen), not the extremities (hands, feet).
Dr. Amol Naik at Carle Health in central Illinois says, “It is important to protect yourself against the elements, so you don't need to seek medical treatment. When you’re not dressing warm for the elements, your body will try to correct itself by pushing blood to important organs like your lungs and heart. This is why you see a change in the color of your skin on your hands, feet, and ears.”
Dr. Naik continued, “If you're going to be outside, make sure you are conscious of exposed skin, like fingers, ears, nose, and more.”
Please remember these signs, symptoms, and suggestions of frostbite and hypothermia and share them with those you love in the event you or they suffer overexposure to cold weather, Arctic winds, and sub-zero temperatures.
Our compassionate caregivers at Home Helpers provide the necessary support for seniors through various in-home care services. I gladly offer a FREE Assessment to determine specific ways we can help. By doing this, I can create a personalized care plan and choose the perfect caregiver to make life easier throughout the wicked-cold winter months and all year round.
Home Helpers® Wheaton & Naperville is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans, differently-abled, and senior men and women in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estate, Roselle, Itasca, Medinah, Naperville, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
Sources:
1NBC Chicago
2NBC Chicago
