Beware of Hypothermia or Cold Exposure

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I thought this article on signs of "hypothermia" would be of interest especially with many of us getting winter like weather now. If we are not careful we may ignore signs that are easy to miss. Hypothermia can come on gradually and can be very tricky to spot for many people. Here are a few signs to be aware of to avoid becoming victim to this fatal condition. Common signs are shivering and shallow breathing. But there are also other subtle signs you could be in trouble. Becoming drowsy or sleepy and wanting to lie down is a serious warning sign. Confusion, slurred speech, and clumsiness are additional signs. I've never seen anyone suffering from severe cold exposure, but it doesn't hurt to know the signs just in case. Winter time is a season for skiing, hiking, or doing some other outdoor activity, and if faced with this situation, what would be the best treatments for someone showing signs of hypothermia? Obviously you want to get them warm in a hurry. In addition, here are a few other effective ways to administer aid: 1. Provide warm beverages 2. Remove any wet clothing 3. Cover the person with blankets 4. Call for medical help Of course, the best way to avoid hypothermia is to stay indoors preferably next to a warm fireplace sipping a hot beverage of your choice, lol. Anyway, according to statistics, cold temperatures kill more people than hot temperatures. In the U.S. each year around 1,330 people die of cold exposure essentially freezing to death. Imagine how many cold-related deaths occur worldwide! Hope you found these facts informative. Source- Reader's Digest & Google Photo- livescience.com