Cold Temps Bring the Danger of Frostbite & Hypothermia

With the weather staying below freezing Thursday night, people need to be careful and take precautions to stay warm.

Long exposure to the cold weather can lead to hypothermia and also frostbite in some cases. It can take only hours for frostbite to set in and possibly cause permanent damage. The best way to prevent this is to wear appropriate clothing and seek shelter.

Dr. Kevin Griffith of Garden Park Medical Center says, “In regards to skin exposure and frostbite concerns, painful and reddened extremities, that is the most common first symptom. Later on, in extremes, then you may lose the sensations and the functions.”

If you feel symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia, be sure to take appropriate action to warm yourself or seek assistance.