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==Primary Prevention==
==Primary Prevention==
In air, most heat is lost through the head (one third of the body's heat);<ref>[http://w3.ouhsc.edu/ehso/HeatColdStress.pdf]</ref> hypothermia can thus be most effectively prevented by covering the head.  Having appropriate clothing for the environment is another important prevention.  Fluid-retaining materials like cotton can be a hypothermia risk; if the wearer gets sweaty on a cold day, then cools down, they will have sweat-soaked clothing in the cold air.  For outdoor exercise on a cold day, it is advisable to wear fabrics which can "[[wikt:wick|wick]]" away sweat moisture. These include wool or synthetic fabrics designed specifically for rapid drying.
*Before you spend time outside in the cold, do NOT drink alcohol or smoke. Drink plenty of fluids and get adequate food and rest.


Heat is lost much faster in water. Children can die of [[hypothermia]] in as little as two hours in water as warm as 16°C (61°F, 289[[Kelvin|K]]), typical of sea surface temperatures in temperate countries such as Great Britain in early summer. Many seaside safety information sources fail to quote survival times in water, and the consequent importance of diving suits. This is possibly because the original research into hypothermia mortality in water was carried out in wartime Germany on unwilling subjects. There is ongoing debate as to the ethical basis of using the data thus acquired.
*Wear proper clothing in cold temperatures to protect your body. These include:
:*Mittens (not gloves)
:*Wind-proof, water-resistant, many-layered clothing
:*Two pairs of socks (avoid cotton)
:*Scarf and hat that cover the ears (to avoid major heat loss through the top of your head)
 
*Avoid:
:*Extremely cold temperature, especially with high winds
:*Wet clothes
:*Poor circulation, which is more likely from age, tight clothing or boots, cramped positions, fatigue, certain medications, smoking, and alcohol
 
*If you have diabetes or circulatory problems see your doctor regularly and maintain good health habits in order to reduce the risk of blood vessel complications that may put you at risk for hypothermia.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 22:58, 26 August 2012

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Primary Prevention

  • Before you spend time outside in the cold, do NOT drink alcohol or smoke. Drink plenty of fluids and get adequate food and rest.
  • Wear proper clothing in cold temperatures to protect your body. These include:
  • Mittens (not gloves)
  • Wind-proof, water-resistant, many-layered clothing
  • Two pairs of socks (avoid cotton)
  • Scarf and hat that cover the ears (to avoid major heat loss through the top of your head)
  • Avoid:
  • Extremely cold temperature, especially with high winds
  • Wet clothes
  • Poor circulation, which is more likely from age, tight clothing or boots, cramped positions, fatigue, certain medications, smoking, and alcohol
  • If you have diabetes or circulatory problems see your doctor regularly and maintain good health habits in order to reduce the risk of blood vessel complications that may put you at risk for hypothermia.

References

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