Don't Sweat Hypothermia

Still digging out, or heading for the hills to sled?

Take precautions against perspiration, warns Boris Khodorkovsky, MD, emergency department physician at Staten Island University Hospital.

“Sweat can cause heat loss, which can lead to hypothermia,” Dr. Khodorkovsky says. “Any strenuous activity can make the body produce sweat. In cold weather, a combination of cold, and clothing wet from sweat, will allow a person to lose heat quickly.”

In the early stages of hypothermia, the brain’s decision-making abilities are affected, impairing motor function, which increases your risk of injuries.

Dr. Khodorkovsky recommends avoiding strenuous activity in the cold weather, “If you have to do an activity (e.g. shoveling, winter sports), dress in layers that are easy to apply and remove. It’s important that the closest layer to the skin be made out of polypropylene material, which will absorb and move sweat away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable,”

He says to avoid cotton, which retains moisture. “If your clothing is wet, get them off as soon as possible.”

Dr. Khodorkovsky emphasized keeping your hands and feet especially warm, since they’re the most susceptible to cold weather conditions.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers these warnings signs of hypothermia:

In adults:

· shivering, exhaustion

· confusion, fumbling hands

· memory loss, slurred speech

· drowsiness

In infants:

· bright red, cold skin

· very low energy

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