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How to avoid frostbite and hypothermia
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Press release submitted by RaeAnn Tucker-Marshal The staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents that frost-bite and hypothermia are the greatest threats facing anyone who ventures outside in temperatures below freezing. It only takes a few minutes in subzero weather for problems to occur. Frostbite occurs when the cold outside slows circulation and tissue begins to die. The hands and feet are usually affected first. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature is lowered, and can result in death if the drop in body heat slows the heart rate too much. Frostbite symptoms include numbness in the fingers, ears, nose, or feet. The affected areas may be red or white and hurt when rewarmed. Medical treatment for frostbite usually consists of rewarming the affected area. Prolonged exposure to the cold can result in significant destruction of tissue. Serious cases of frostbite can result in gangrene, leading to possible amputation of the affected body part. To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, persons should wear hats which cover the ears, scarves or masks to cover the face, mittens instead of gloves so fingers can warm each other, and several layers of clothing to trap the body heat. Dampness increases the risk of frostbite and clothing should be changed if it becomes wet. Drinking alcohol increases the chance of both hypothermia and frostbite. Alcohol slows down the heart and blurs the judgement of how cold the person really is. Smokers are more apt to experience spasms in blood vessels which interfere with circulation, thus increasing the threat of frostbite. The Health Department reminds everyone to avoid exposure to extreme cold for more than a few minutes. Serious tissue damage can occur in a short period of time. For more information on frostbite and hypothermia call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments. 
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East moline, IL Details |
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Today is Wednesday, June 19, the 170th day of 2013. There are 195 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: The treasurer of Mercer County has been instructed to sell all thespecie now in the treasury for the highest premium in legal tender and to report same atthe next board meeting.
1888 -- 125 years ago: J.S. Freeman has been elected president of the Recreation Club ofthe Rock Island YMCA.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Rock Island voters will decide next Tuesday on the proposal toconsolidate with South Rock Island Township.
1938 -- 75 years ago: The Rev. Frederick J. Rolf will round out his 30th year as pastor ofthe Evangelical Church of Peace at Sunday worship services.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Dennis Kelly, of Moline High School, has been named a winner inTime Magazine's 27th annual current affairs contest.
1988 -- 25 years ago: The Martin Luther King Community Center will participate in theSummer Food Service Program. Free meals will be made available to all children 18years of age and younger.
(More History)