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WINTER SAFETY ALERT by JOHN BRENNAN, M.D., FAAP, FACEP Walking through the park after a snowfall, ice skating on a pond, sledding or skiing are just a few of the activities many people look forward to during the winter months. The winter season can be fun, exciting and most importantly, safe, if some simple “winter precautions” are followed. First, there is concern about hypothermia, when a person’s body temperature is dangerously low (falling significantly below 98.6 degrees F). This can be a life-threatening event. The younger the child, the more prone he or she is to hypothermia. Adults have developed physiological protective mechanisms, such as shivering or automatically decreasing the blood supply to those parts of the body that are closest to the cold environment. In children, however, these mechanisms have not fully matured and a child’s body temperature can quickly decrease. If the body temperature goes below 94 degrees F, it can affect the function of a child’s heart and lungs. A simple means of protecting your child from hypothermia is to limit his or her exposure to freezing temperatures, especially infants less than three months of age. Older children should dress in layered clothing as this helps to insulate the body. If a child becomes wet, he or she should be brought inside immediately and dried off. Water and wind can dramatically increase the loss of body heat. Frostbite, the actual freezing of the cells of the body in severe cases, is another winter concern. This condition can be mild, moderate or severe and may lead to permanent damage. The toes, fingers, nose and ears are especially prone to frostbite because they are directly exposed to the cold environment. These areas, when subjected to cold, have a decreased blood supply which furthers the risk of cell damage. To avoid frostbite, parents should monitor their child’s time outside. Remember, the time one is exposed to low temperatures, high wind velocity and a wet environment are all factors that contribute to the development of frostbite. Sledding can be great fun, especially when done safely. Wearing a helmet not only significantly decreases head injuries but also has become fashionable. Children on sleds should never wear loose clothing or have tie strings dangling. These can get caught under the sled or wrapped around another person and act like a noose if the sled tips over or the child is thrown from the sled. Sledding should only be done under adult supervision and in pre-designated areas. Skiing has become a national pastime for many children and teenagers. Correct equipment and instruction is crucial to having an enjoyable and safe time. Over the past few years, there have been a number of severe injuries and deaths caused by head trauma received in skiing accidents. Wearing a helmet can prevent significant head injuries and even death. Although not as obvious, children and infants can become dehydrated from winter activities. Dehydration can occur from sweating under heavy clothes or perspiring during vigorous activities. Parents should insist that their children take frequent water breaks. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent wintertime killer. Heaters in the home should be cleaned and serviced annually. Cars must never be left running in an unventilated area. For greater peace of mind, there are carbon monoxide monitors available for home use. The winter months are a wonderful time of year. Let us make sure they are safe ones, too. [ top ] |
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