Health Library
The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.
Cold Temperature Injury
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You may be able to prevent cold exposure by having emergency equipment with you if you do outdoor sports or activities. Your equipment may include: 2 or 3 fire-starting kits and a cigarette lighter. A pocketknife. A wire saw, to cut large pieces of...
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What is hypothermia? Hypothermia occurs when the body gets cold and loses heat faster than the body can make it. A rectal temperature is considered the most accurate body temperature. A normal rectal body temperature ranges from 97.5 F (36.4 C) to 99.6 F (37.6 C), and for most people it is 98.6 F (37 C). For...
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Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of injury from cold exposure. Alcohol: Changes your body's ability to regulate body temperature. Changes your judgment. For example, a person may not put on more clothing when it is needed if his or her judgment is changed by alcohol. Can cause blood vessels in the skin to get...
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Cold injuries occur more in certain outdoor conditions, such as: Cold temperatures. Hypothermia can develop quickly with temperatures below freezing. Frostbite develops at freezing temperatures. People who live in poorly heated homes can gradually develop hypothermia in temperatures of 60 F (16 C) to 65 F...
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Babies Babies, especially newborns, are more likely to suffer injury from cold temperature exposure. They have a large body surface area compared with their weight. Their body heat is lost more rapidly when exposed to cold weather conditions. Their ability to regulate body temperatures is not well-developed. They...
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To prevent getting too cold, wear proper clothing and shoes, such as: A hat and face mask. Up to 80% of total body heat loss is from your head and neck areas. Layers of clothing to keep you warm and dry. Clothing made of wool, polypropylene, down, or Thinsulate. These are good insulators and will prevent loss of...
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First aid measures may prevent further heat loss and help the body slowly warm up. Remain calm. Fear or too much activity causes sweating. Sweating can make you feel chilled. Find shelter so you can get out of the cold, the wind, or the water. Remove cold, wet clothes. Put on dry clothing, especially...
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The body loses heat through: Evaporation of water from your skin if it is wet (sweating). If your clothing is wet, you will also lose some body heat through evaporation and through respiration (breathing) when the body temperature is higher than 99 F (37 C). During intense exercise, the body loses 85% of its...