Health Matters: Brrr, It’s Freezing Out So Bundle Up The Kids

HEALTH MATTERS Staying Warm And Healthy In The Cold

Supplied By The WECHU

Winter is an exciting time for kids as they can enjoy outdoor activities like sledding, skiing, snowboarding, skating and playing in the snow. However, it’s important to stay warm and protect yourself and loved ones from cold related health risks.

Here are a few winter safety tips . . . Dress warmly for outdoor activities. Children should be dressed in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer, a hat, mittens, and scarf. Make sure to cover as much exposed skin as possible. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that parents put an added layer of clothing on a child to stay warm. Dress children in warm, waterproof boots that are roomy enough to wiggle their toes. Remove outer layers of clothing or open the coat if they are sweating, to stay dry. Check often to see if your child is warm and dry. Younger children should take regular breaks and come inside for a hot drink. Remind them to keep moving, especially their hands and feet to maintain body heat. Keep time outside short in extreme weather. Do not send children outside to play in extreme snowstorms or extreme wind chill.

Remember to watch for signs of cold-related injuries, such as windburn, frostnip, and frostbite. Fortunately, mostcoldrelated injuries can be prevented if you are aware of the risks, signs, and symptoms.

Windburn occurs when cold wind removes the top layer of oil from the skin. The skin is red, sore, very dry and itchy. Do not scratch or rub the affected areas and apply a protective skin care product to relieve symptoms.

Frostnip and frostbite occur when skin and other tissues freeze, and as a result, blood and oxygen can no longer circulate. This mainly affects fingers and toes. Skin may appear waxy, grey, and hard to the touch.

If you think your child has frostbite, move to a warm room, reheat their body with blankets and thaw injured skin in water above body temperature.

Severe frostbite can cause permanent damage to body tissue if it’s not treated immediately.

Hypothermia is a medical emergency and occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. There are three stages of hypothermia from mild (shivering, goosebumps) to more severe symptoms (difficulty speaking, thinking and walking).

Making angels in the snow is just one of many fun winter activities children can enjoy. Always make sure your child is bundled up for the cold weather before they head outdoors to play.

Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone may have hypothermia. Until help arrives, move them to a warm place, gently remove any wet clothing and wrap them in blankets or dry clothing.

The Health Unit issues cold warnings to inform residents of extreme cold events with the Stay Warm Windsor-Essex program.

To find more information about protecting yourself and your family during extreme cold, please visit: WECHU.org/stay-warm. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), in partnership with other agencies and health care providers, seeks to enable all Windsor and Essex County residents to be as healthy as possible. The Health Unit is located at 1005 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor and online at: WECHU.org.