Hypothermia

• Falling into water, or playing in cold water.

  Water that is 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause death in as little as one hour. If the water is near freezing, death can occur in approximately 15 minutes. This is especially dangerous for children around water because their body mass is so small. And don't forget that even if the weather is sunny and pleasant, water can still be cold. Careful attention needs to be given to children around water sources to keep them safe from hypothermia and possible death.

• Wet Clothing.

  If the weather is somewhat cool outside and you are in wet clothing, then you are susceptible to hypothermia. Your clothes can get wet from sweating, being caught in a rain wet weather, or being in water. The water combined with the wind makes the body lose heat quicker because of evaporation, and that causes hypothermia. This temperature decrease may first be noticed as mild shivering, but it can quickly progress, depending upon the temperature outside and the amount of time spent in the elements.

• Underdressed.

  The head accounts for about 10% of your body surface and is an often overlooked place where body heat can escape. It's a commonly accepted notion that you lose more heat from your head, but a study showed that not to be true. Being properly clothed for the conditions you are in -- feet, hands, body core, as well as head -- will decrease your chances of hypothermia.

• Improper Clothing.

  Not wearing the proper clothing for the weather or your activity can increase your incidence of hypothermia. Not wearing a wetsuit in cold water and not wearing a coat and other protective clothing during cold or wet weather can cause you to develop hypothermia. That is why it is so important that you purchase and wear the clothing that is right for the weather and activity that you are doing. Layers are good too. Dressing correctly helps keep your body temperature in a safe range for your body to work efficiently.

• Kids and Seniors.

  Children are even more likely to get hypothermia, simply because they have proportionately more body surface to body core. A hat, gloves, scarf, and coat should help them to stay warm when playing in the snow or in the cold, rain gear is good when they are out playing in the rain. By keeping an eye on them and watching them for symptoms, you can help to keep them safe from hypothermia.

  Seniors often have circulation problems that leave them more susceptible to hypothermia. To save money they make keep their homes too cool or they may be on medications that expose them to hypothermia.

• Medical Conditions.

  Some medical conditions that can lead to hypothermia include bacterial infection, diabetes, malnutrition, stroke, spinal cord injury, thyroid condition, and the use of certain medications. A person with such medical conditions may not be aware when they are becoming too cool and not modify the situation to avoid hypothermia.

• Substances.

  There are various substances that, when consumed, reduce the person's environmental awareness and expose them to hypothermic conditions. Alcohol is one such substance. It can interfere with portions of the heat-balancing system that will make it easier for the person to get hypothermic out of lack of awareness.

Hypothermia can occur even if the weather is not freezing. In fact, it might be worse in warm weather because you aren't as alert to the possibility. I have suffered hypothermia by being out in a summer rainstorm, and I know the hazards! By preventing it through wearing the proper clothing and using common sense, you help keep yourself safe.