LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Bitter cold has taken hold of the Commonwealth and if you're not careful, these frigid temperatures can be dangerous. Protecting our body from the cold just takes one simple step. Without it, the consequences could be deadly.
There is no specific timeline for hypothermia to set in. But the colder the temperature is, the faster it happens. When you start to experience hypothermia, your body loses heat faster than it produces it.
"And when that happens, it can make you not able to think clearly and not move clearly," Dr. Agata Toborek said. "So sometimes people with hypothermia can be acting confused, act like they're fumbling with their hands."
That makes it difficult for the person to recognize something is wrong. The most vulnerable people in society are at the highest risk to experience hypothermia.
"Small children are at higher risk for hypothermia, also people who have chronic illnesses, people that are outside that don't have adequate food or nutrition are at a higher risk for that," Dr. Agata said.
The best way to combat the cold is simple; dress accordingly. If your child waits at the bus stop in the morning, it's important to wear layers. Compared to adults, Dr. Agata Toborek says small children need an extra layer. "It's also important to stay dry. So if it's raining or snowing, making sure you don't get wet because it makes you feel a whole lot colder. It's important to wear hats or hoods to protect your ears and heads and gloves or mittens to protect your hands."
Dr. Agata says if you notice any signs of frostbite or hypothermia, you should see a doctor.
