Winter Wind
Looking out the window, I see a bright sunny day punctuated by tossing trees. The false hope of warmth is chilled by wind gusts over 50 mph. The thermometer declares it is 38 degrees. However, the “feels like” temperature is ~ 23 per the National Weather Service Wind Chill Calculator. The following chart allows you to grossly estimate the temperature without using advanced mathematics.
When I step outside to hang the bird feeder, my skin experiences the brisk fifteen-degree wind chill factor. Why does that matter, besides the miserable sensation? It’s important because it makes us at greater risk for hypothermia and/or frostbite.
What exactly is hypothermia?
The Mayo Clinic website provides valuable information regarding symptoms, causes, and risk factors, as well as diagnosis and treatment of hypothermia. Click the prior links for details.
The first sign of hypothermia is shivering, a natural defense against cold, as the body tries to warm itself. The other more progressive symptoms can be subtle and gradual, causing confusion and leading to loss of self-awareness and risk-taking behavior.
Hypothermia can be life-threatening, but frostbite can be painful and even lead to gangrene and significant tissue loss.
For more information on the symptoms and causes of frostbite and the diagnosis and treatment follow up on these links from the Mayo Clinic.
The best treatment for both hypothermia and frostbite is prevention.
Avoid prolonged exposure in cold, wet, windy weather; bundle up in loose, warm layers, and stay dry. Keep your head, ears, hands, and feet covered with heavy woolen/windproof hats/headbands, mittens rather than gloves, and wear wool socks and sock-liners beneath insulated boots.
Keep moving in moderation, stay nourished and hydrated (but not with alcohol-despite the warm sensation it actually chills your body), and plan to protect yourself with emergency supplies in case you’re stranded.
Seek shelter and warmth if you notice signs of hypothermia or frostbite (changes in skin color, prickling, and/or numbness.)
Do you enjoy winter sports? Have fun this winter, but remember to protect yourself against the wind and cold.
