How to detect and treat hypothermia and frostbite

As the temperature drops into the single digits and below, people around the metro need to be aware of cold related illnesses, like hypothermia and frostbite.

Here is some information from the Centers for Disease control.

Frostbite Symptoms:
A body part becomes numb and loses color

Frostbite Treatments:
Seek treatment from a doctor
In the meantime, soak the area in warm water for 30 minutes
Do not use direct heat like a heating pad or fire place
Don't rub the affected area

Hypothermia Symptoms:
Slurred speech
Weak pulse
Slow reaction time

Hypothermia Treatments:
Call 911 immediately
In the meantime, put the patient in a warm room, warm their body with skin to skin contact under a blanket or clothing, warm the center of their body -- head, neck, chest and groin -- with a heating pad.

Pay extra attention to infants and the elderly during the extreme cold as they are more prone to cold related problems.

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