Winter Warning – Sheila Miller, RN, Health Dept.

Hypothermia is the unintentional lowering of the body temperature to 95 F or below. The elderly are susceptible to hypothermia in less extreme temperatures and most cases occur when they live in poorly heated homes. Due to the normal aging process, the body loses its sensitivity to cold. The person's body temperature may drop without the individual being aware of it. This reduced ability is also present in the very young; aside from the elderly, babies are the most common victims of hypothermia.

Early symptoms of hypothermia include drowsiness, mental confusion, and pallor. Areas of the body that are normally warm (such as the abdomen and underarms) are cold. In severe hypothermia, breathing becomes slow and shallow, muscles may become stiff and the person may become unconscious. The heart may beat only faintly and irregularly and if the body temperature drops below 90 F, it may cease beating altogether.

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you find an older person in what appears to be an early stage of hypothermia seek medical attention immediately either at the emergency room or by calling 911. It is important to warm the person slowly. If they are conscious, give them a warm drink and cover them with additional blankets. Do not give them any alcohol as this reduces body heat or warm the victim by rubbing their skin or applying direct heat. Most importantly, be gentle, calm, patient, and understanding.

With the rising costs of heating homes, it is tempting to lower the thermostat temperature to save money. It is recommended that an elderly person's home be heated at a temperature of at least 65 F. Family and neighbors need to visit them as often as possible in the cold weather. Make sure that they have additional means of keeping warm, including suitable clothing, warm blankets, and nutritious foods.

The elderly should also be made aware of the need to eat hot food and drink warm fluids several times a day. Since up to 30% of the body's heat loss takes place in the head, a hat should be worn at all times outdoors. There are organizations in your community such as the COA and HESSCO which are prepared to assist the elderly in a variety of ways. Remember, prevention is the key. By taking a common sense approach to the cold climate, hypothermia can be prevented.

1/28/2008