3. You are a bit more laid back.
Wisconsin is a great place to
get outdoors in the winter.
4. Dress for the weather and your sport
• Never participate in winter sports alone. With a partner (or two),
you can use the ‘buddy system’, for example, to check each other
for signs of hypothermia.
• Be aware that you are exposed to UV radiation even on cold and
cloudy days. Apply broad spectrum 30+ sunscreen to all areas of
exposed skin. Reapply regularly.
• Drink plenty of water before, during and after sport.
5. Dress for the weather and your sport
• Don’t drink alcohol. While an alcoholic drink seems to warm you
up, it actually narrows your blood vessels, particularly those of the
hands, which can increase your risk of hypothermia.
• Carry some snacks or energy bars as fatigue increases the
risk of injury.
• If your feet, hands or other body parts get wet, seek shelter as
soon as you can. The skin tissues that are wet and cold are in
danger of freezing.
6. Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite
• Grey or blue facial skin
• Cold, hard and white skin
• Numb patches on the skin
• Swollen and blistering skin
• Uncontrollable shivering, followed by lack of shivering
• Loss of physical coordination
• Speaking difficulties, such as slurring
• Loss of control over the small muscles –
for example, the muscles of the fingers
• A strong yearning for sleep
Young children and elderly adults are most susceptible to
these injuries
7. Lets not forget about our four legged friends.
They can get cold related injuries as well.
• Making sure your dog has warm, dry, draft-free, covered shelter
• Warming that shelter with bedding you check daily - wet bedding
can be fatal to a pet.
• Being sure that fresh, unfrozen water is available to your
dog every day.
• Providing your dog plenty of food; pets need even more calories in
the winter to help them keep warm.
• Always bring your dog inside when the temperatures turn
particularly harsh or cold
8. So what ever your taste is for the winter, be safe,
be smart, stay warm and enjoy.
Winter is only here once a year.
Questions?
Feel free to stop by the medical department.
Nurse Jim is always willing to help answer your questions.
