“Hypothermia is a medical emergency. It occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. This causes a dangerously low body temperature.” mayoclinic.org
Don’t get left out in the cold. Hypothermia is real and can happen quickly. Even in the south, temperatures are usually not on the chilly side. But, cold spells are not out of the question. When the thermometer takes a plunge, be sure to have what you need to stay warm:
- Warm clothing like flannel pajamas, woolly slippers, socks, and sweaters.
- Cozy blankets – bed size and throws for your couch
- Car gear that includes a wool blanket.
- Hats help keep a body warm. Wearing them inside works too. A hot water bottle filled with warm water can also help. Laying rugs on cold floors adds extra warmth.
- Move! Moving your body, even walking in place, is helpful to keep warm.
- Avoid alcohol. Though it feel warm going down, alcohol actually lowers the core temperature of the body.
Even if it’s not cold enough for hypothermia, keeping warm in cool or cold weather is essential. It is important for one’s health. Having a few essentials on hand makes it easy to stay warm.
