HEALTH

Dangerous cold-weather injuries

Harsh winds and bitter cold can be downright dangerous, if you find yourself outside for long periods of time. Here are two serious cold injuries you’ll want to watch out for and tips from the National Athletic Trainers Association for how to treat them:

Hypothermia is a significant drop in core body temperature. Symptoms include shivering, increased blood pressure, impaired fine motor skills, lethargy — and in severe cases, impaired mental function and even loss of consciousness. To treat it, start by getting out of the cold! Remove any wet clothes and wrap up in warm blankets. Apply heat only to the trunk and other areas of heat transfer, such as the armpit, chest and groin. Drink warm, nonalcoholic fluids.

Frostbite is significant skin damage resulting from long exposure to the cold. Symptoms include swelling, a red or grey appearance to the skin, stiffness, and tingling or burning. Severe, deep frostbite can also include blisters and numbness. To treat it, immerse the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes in a warm water bath that is no hotter than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A physician may prescribe medication for pain.

Of course, prevention is always the best way to go. If you plan to spend many hours outside, wear insulating clothes that don’t absorb sweat, take breaks to warm yourself inside or by an external heater and stay hydrated — avoiding alcohol.

Try a winter pick-me-up

In winter’s gray and cold days, the midday work blues can hit hard. If you feel tired, lethargic or unmotivated during the day, try these pick-me-up tips from GoodElements.com:

•Drink some green tea: Its small amount of caffeine will give you a boost, and its antioxidants will help protect you from some chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

•Take a walk to get the blood pumping to your heart and brain. A walk outside in the sun will also activate Vitamin D in your body and improve your mood.

•Munch on a snack rich in protein, not sugar. A sugar high comes with a subsequent sugar low, so try something else: a slice of whole-wheat toast, a handful of nuts, yogurt and granola or hummus.

•Take a moment to stand up and stretch. Focus on the muscles in your shoulders, neck and upper back. Breathe deeply as you stretch, inhaling through your nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips.