LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Extremely low temperatures can be dangerous for the body. A local nurse practitioner has tips on what you can do to keep yourself safe.
Nurse practitioner Bill Longworth with CHI Saint Joseph Health says that if you plan to go outside, whether you have to or not, layering up is important to stay safe, as well as covering your extremities.
“The nose, the earlobes, the fingers, the toes, any of those parts of the body that don’t have as much blood flow and we don’t often even cover them up,” he said.
Longworth says that frostbite can set in quicker than we may realize.
“You’re looking at things like first, the initial cold, some burning, your skin might even become waxy and start to feel firm,” he said.
He said that if you get frostbite, get indoors and let your hands or feet soak in warm water, but avoid anything too hot because a drastic change in temperature can be damaging as well.
If you’ll be working or doing any other physical activities in the cold, your body will be working extra hard to keep you warm, which could lead to a heart attack.
“Certainly if you have any chest pains or shortness of breath, take a rest. Get back inside,” said Longworth.
Longworth’s overall advice for the next couple of days is to just stay inside if you can.
