‘Tis the season for a winter wonderland, when Mother Nature brings her fair share of ice, rain, snow and everything in between. It’s also time for a refresher on cold weather safety tips.

According to Dr. Joshua Hazelton, trauma program medical director at WellSpan York Hospital, it is important to check the weather, outside temperature and wind chill before going outside. This information can help you decide when to shovel and what to wear to help prevent weather-related injuries.  

Dress for the conditions. If it’s cold outside, dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing. While hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, is most likely to occur at very cold temperatures, it can also occur at cool temperatures (above 40° F) if a person becomes chilled from contact with cold water, rain or sweat. Excess perspiration will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.

Recognize the signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia happens when your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. It can be dangerous. Symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech or drowsiness.

Seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature dips below 95 degrees.

Spot the signs of frostbite. Frostbite is caused by freezing and leads to the loss of feeling and color in affected areas like the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body and severe cases can lead to amputation. Symptoms of frostbite include redness or pain in any skin area, a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.

If these symptoms occur, get into a warm setting immediately. Try to keep from walking on feet or toes that show signs of frostbite. Submerge the frostbitten areas in warm water (not hot). Seek medical attention.

Shovel with care. Choose a shovel with a small, plastic blade. Shoveling snow is a cardiovascular exercise that involves muscles in your legs, back, core, shoulders and arms.

When shoveling:

• Lift with your legs and not with your back.
• Bend at your knees.
• Choke up on your shovel to keep the blade as close to your body as possible.
• Push up with your legs and reduce strain on your back.
• For heavy snow, push the snow rather than lift.
• Take breaks to catch your breath, stretch your arms and back, and stay hydrated. 

“You know your body best so pay attention to any irregular changes or symptoms,” Dr. Hazelton added. “If you develop loss of sensation, pain, color changes, shortness of breath, chest pain or lightheadedness, seek medical attention.”

When accidents and injuries happen, know where to go for care. We offer many convenient in-person and virtual options to get the care you need today. Visit: Get Care Now - WellSpan Health