As bone chilling temperatures settle in over the next several days, the city’s health department is warning about two unwanted cold weather problems — frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. The fingers and toes are most commonly affected but other extremities including the nose, ears, chin, and cheeks can also develop frostbite. Frostbite can range from mild (also called frost nip) to severe or deep. Signs and symptoms of frostbite include cold skin and a pricking feeling numbness, red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin hard or waxing looking skin. Treatment for mild frostbite includes re-warming of the skin. Other types of frost bite require medical attention because of possible damage to the skin, tissues, muscle, bones, and nerves.
Exposure to cold that’s severe enough to cause frostbite also can cause hypothermia — a dangerous condition that occurs when the body core temperature goes below 95°F. When the body begins to lose heat faster than it’s, produced, the heart, nervous system, and other organs can’t work normally. If left untreated, hypothermia can eventually lead to health complications and eventually death.Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech or mumbling, slow or shallow breathing, weak pulse, clumsiness or lack of coordination, drowsiness or low energy, memory or loss confusion, loss of consciousness, or bright red, cold skin.If hypothermia is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for emergency help to arrive, gently move the person inside if possible (jarring movements can trigger dangerous irregular heartbeats). If clothing is wet, carefully and replace with warm, dry coats or blankets.
To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, limit time outdoors in cold wet or windy weather. Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing (air trapped between layers of clothing acts as insulation). Wear windproof and waterproof outer garments that keep moisture away from skin. Wear a hat or headband that fully covers the ears. Wear mittens or gloves (mittens tend to be warmer), wool or polypro sock, and warm, waterproof shoes or boots. Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated by drinking warm, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages.
Mayor Ben Florsheim said that the city’s warming shelter located at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main Street is open daily from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM for those seeking refuge from the cold. Although beds are not provided, the shelter offer snacks and hot beverages. The Middletown Police Station located at 222 Main Street is also a warming center open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Additionally, the Russell Library, 133 Broad Street, serves a warming center during normal business hours.