Some places experience extreme cold temperatures and snow fall. Most common winter weather injuries that may be avoided if proper caution is taken prior to venturing outside.
1) Overexertion
Snow is the season when we have to clear our driveways. With the cold temperatures, the vessels of the cardiovascular system narrow while the blood thickens raising the risk for a heart attack, especially in those individuals with high blood pressure.
So it is important not to overexert oneself and listen to one’s body. Do not hesitate to call the doctor if you experience any uneasiness.
2) Falls
This is one of the most common injuries in winter. People slip on ice and snow and injure themselves. Change in elevation is hard to see in ice and snow. Try to keep all walkways clear of snow and ice using rock salt, gravel and
the like
.
3) Hypothermia
Hypothermia is the condition where the body’s temperature drops due to a gradual escape of heat due to which the body cannot continue to generate enough heat to keep warm. Symptom of this shall include shivering, slurred speech, numbness etc…
4) Flu
As the weather changes the cold brings with it cold and flu. It spreads like wildfire. It can be a good idea to get the flu shot a few weeks before the change in climate so that your body is ready to fight the disease.
5) Chilblains and frostbite
When the skin gets exposed to extreme cold temperatures it develops skin conditions like chilblains and frostbite. Frostbite is the freezing of skin due to which the blood cannot flow to the skin and warm it up. Chilblain on the other hand is the inflammation of the blood vessels due to the cold.
While it can be fun to play outdoors in the winter months, it is a good thing to be cautious and take precautions to avoid injuries and other emergencies.
