News Flash

As the counties of Charles City, Goochland, Hanover, and New Kent continue to experience extremely cold weather, the Chickahominy Health District encourages everyone to protect themselves against serious health problems that can result from prolonged exposure to the cold.

“With the bitter cold weather predicted to continue for the next several days, we all need to take special precautions to protect ourselves,” said Dr. Tom Franck, Director of the Chickahominy Health District. “When exposed to cold temperatures for too long, we can suffer cold-weather related health problems such as frostbite and hypothermia,” added Dr. Franck.

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body. At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite: a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. The person is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb. If you suspect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care.

Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature resulting when your body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Warning signs may include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. In infants, warning signs may include red, cold skin and very low energy. If you notice signs of hypothermia, take a body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is a medical emergency, and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Take these steps to help prevent frostbite, hypothermia, and other potential injuries:

Keep warm:

• Limit your exposure to the cold outdoors and stay indoors when possible.
• Bring your pets indoors and ensure they have water. 
• Eating healthy meals will help to keep your body temperature warm.
• Stay hydrated even during the cold to prevent hypothermia. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. They cause your body to lose heat faster. Drink warm beverages or broth.
• Keep extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats on hand for use in cold rooms.
• Check on neighbors, friends, and family.
• For a list of warming centers in your area, call 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org/.

If you must go outside:

• Dress warmly with cold weather appropriate clothing like gloves/mittens, hats, scarves and snow boots. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing.
• Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps.
• Be aware of the wind chill factor. Wind can cause accelerated loss of body-heat.
• Avoid getting wet. If you get wet, change out of wet clothes as soon as possible to prevent hypothermia.
• Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors.
• Stay home and avoid travel if the roads are dangerous.

If You Must Drive:

• First, check the road conditions and plan your route accordingly. 
• Let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive and ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
• Always carry extra warm clothing and blankets with you. Don't rely on a car to provide enough heat.
• Allow extra travel time and follow these tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation.

If you have chronic medical conditions, you may need to take additional precautions. You should reach out to your healthcare provider to ensure you have an adequate care plan in place. Organize your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and home-use medical devices. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.