With more bitter cold temperatures and possible snow forecast for the New River Valley through the weekend, it’s a time when extremely cold temperatures pose a substantial threat to your health.

“Prolonged exposure to cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia or even death,” said Jody Hershey, Director of the New River Health District, Virginia Department of Health. “Persons most susceptible to extreme cold are infants and very young children and the elderly, but everyone should limit his or her time outdoors during extremely cold weather, especially when the National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory or Warning.”

Cold weather health threats include:
Frostbite — a severe reaction to cold exposure of the skin that can permanently damage fingers, toes, the nose and ear lobes. Symptoms: loss of feeling, white or pale appearance to the skin. Treatment: seek medical help immediately.
Hypothermia (low body temperature) — a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95 degrees F. Symptoms: slow or slurred speech, incoherence, memory loss, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, repeated stumbling and apparent exhaustion. Treatment: get the person into dry clothing, and wrap him or her with a warm blanket, covering the head and neck.
Winter deaths. Everyone is potentially at risk. The threat varies, depending on the specific situation. Recent U.S. statistics from The New York Times indicate the following:
Deaths from ice and snow: 70 percent occur in automobiles; 25 percent are people caught out in the storm; the majority is among males over 40 years old.
Deaths from exposure: 50 percent are over 60 years old; more than 75 percent are males; about 20 percent occur in the home.

Recommended winter attire:
Several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing is recommended. The trapped air between the layers provides insulation. Layers can be added or removed as needed, to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
Wear a hat. Half of body heat is lost through the top of the head.
Cover mouth with scarves to protect lungs from cold air.
Mittens, snug at the wrists, are better than gloves. (Gloves allow the fingers to cool much faster than mittens do.)

Recommendations for parents:
Dress children in multiple layers of clothing, a warm coat with a hood or a hat/scarf, and mittens when waiting for the school bus or playing outside.
Avoid clothing with dangling items that could snag in vehicle doors or handrails, causing falls.
On school days, be sure to check for possible school delays and closings so that children aren’t waiting longer for the bus than necessary.

Precautions:
Stay dry.
Do not stay outside for extended periods.
Be aware that cold weather puts a strain on your heart, even without exercise.
Be careful when shoveling snow, pushing a car or performing other strenuous tasks.
Research has shown the energy used to shovel snow is similar to playing singles tennis or speed walking at five mph. Regardless of your age or physical condition, avoid overexertion in the winter.

“Remember, now is the time to get ready for the next winter storm,” Hershey said.