Chilling Truth: How Cold Weather Affects Your Body

This week, the weather is taking a frosty turn. It's so cold that schools and businesses are shutting down. The big concern? Hypothermia. When your body's core temperature drops, that's what happens. You might feel like you're shivering more and more. Then, you could start to feel confused or even lose consciousness. If you see these signs, move the person somewhere warm, dry them off, and cover them up with blankets or coats. But if it's really bad, call a doctor.

Frostbite is another risk. Your skin turns red, then white or gray. It hurts, then goes numb. If this happens, warm up slowly in a warm place. Don't use hot water. If it's severe, especially on your feet, go see a doctor. Walking can make it worse. To stay safe, don't spend too much time outside in the cold wind. Wear loose, layered clothes and water-resistant shoes.

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