Everyone has heard people say, “please close the door, I’m going to get hypothermia”, they say it playfully, but it is a very serious medical emergency. Hypothermia is a condition that occurs to your body when it loses heat faster than it can produce. Natural body temperature   is around 98.6 F (37 C) degrees. 

Hypothermia occurs when the body is exposed to cold weather. Whether it’s not wearing the right clothing for the cold weather and even stepping in a puddle. When your body temperature drops, your body will slow down, slowing down your heart,  system, nervous system, and other organs. If left untreated, hypothermia can cause complete failure of the heart, and eventually lead to death. 

Symptoms 

Shivering is your body's first defense system against hypothermia, shivering is your body's attempt to warm itself. Symptoms for hypothermia occur very gradually and slowly, therefore many people aren't aware of their conditions until it has deteriorated. 

Risk Factors 

  1. Dementia – people who suffer from dementia often don't dress properly for the cold weather, therefore, they are more likely to be affected by hypothermia. 
  2. Medical conditions – certain medical conditions can make the body not able to sense the loss in temperature. This can make it easier for people who suffer from these conditions to get hypothermia. 
  3. Alcohol use – alcohol makes your body feel warm inside, but it causes the blood vessels in your body to expand, which leads to rapid heat loss. 
  4. Poor nutrition – when someone doesn’t eat well, their bodies are more susceptible to getting hypothermia. Not eating well means you might have less fat for insulation. 

Hypothermia in seniors 

When people age, their ability to sense the loss in temperature decreases, and their bodies struggle to heat themselves. Hypothermia is very dangerous for people over the age of 65 every winter. As mentioned before, some elderly people who suffer from dementia often don’t dress appropriately for the weather and they are at risk of getting hypothermia. 

Hypothermia isn't only a problem when you go out to the cold weather, it can also happen when your home isn't properly heated. Here are some tips for avoiding hypothermia. 

Treatment 

It is important to treat hypothermia immediately.Once hypothermia sets in, it is a slippery slope. So, treating it quickly is important. 

Hypothermia is very important to treat quickly, especially with the elderly and children. Most people don’t think that hypothermia is very common, but it is! So, please keep yourself warm and stay out of the cold weather.