Old man winter may be knocking on the door but that’s no reason to keep your kids locked inside.
Stay Tuned
The mercury’s falling -- can your children still venture out?
“Just as humidity can make a summer day feel hotter, the wind chill factor and rainy conditions can put your children at risk for frostbite or hypothermia,” says Randall Sterkel, MD, medical director of the Answer Line at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Pay close attention to winter weather advisories from the National Weather Service and keep your kids indoors during those times.”
Load on Layers
Keeping warm could be even more important than avoiding inclement weather.
“Children can get hypothermia on 40° or 50° days if they aren’t dressed properly,” says Dr. Sterkel. “The key is to wear layers of clothing and keep as much of the body -- including face, hands, neck and head -- covered as possible.”
Keep Dry
And staying dry is just as important as staying warm.
“I can’t overstate the importance of staying dry. This includes using rain gear, waterproof boots and a good poncho or umbrella,” Dr. Sterkel emphasizes. “It may be easier to get chilled on a day that’s 40° and wet than when it’s 25° and sunny.”
Do You Know the Difference Between Frostbite and Hypothermia?
Frostbite occurs when the soft tissues and extremities actually freeze. However, in hypothermia the core temperature drops, jeopardizing the internal organs. While frostbite carries a risk of amputation, hypothermia can cause death.