Surviving cold weather conditions

This winter has been exceptionally cold. Chicago is 10 below zero today; it’s 18 below zero in Minneapolis. Even in the South, where I live, it’s chilly - Atlanta’s high temperature is 19 degrees. Along with the cold weather come health-related risks, like hypothermia and frostbite. You may not realize that as little as a 3 degree drop in body temperature can push to your body into triage mode. Your blood gets shifted to your heart and brain and away from everything else, so your extremities may begin to get cold and turn blue. You’re simply not getting enough blood flow throughout the body.

Children and the elderly are most vulnerable to the cold. The National Institute on Aging provides these tips for staying warm in cold weather:

CHECK YOUR MEDS: It’s really important during these cold months to talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking. Certain drugs may affect your body temperature and your doctor may need to adjust the prescription.

DRESS IN LAYERS: Dressing in loose layers will help trap the warm air close to your body. Avoid tight clothing and don’t forget to wear a hat! Body heat can be lost through your head.

KEEP THE THERMOSTAT UP: Keep your thermostat to at least 68 to 70 degrees in the winter. If your heater is out, don’t rely on space heaters or a fireplace; stay with friends or family if possible. In homes, hypothermia can set in at temperatures below 65 degrees.

If you think you’ve developed hypothermia or frostbite, seek medical attention immediately. But also remember three very basic steps that can save your life: change into dry clothes, seek shelter and eat something if possible.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.

Filed under: Gupta • Health