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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 6, 2018)
Tuesday, November, 6, 2018 EASTERN OREGON MARKETPLACE East Oregonian Page 3A Staying Safe Outside W inter’d cmld temperatured bring an extra layer mf challenge tm being mutdide. Hypmthermia id a deadly cmnditimn cauded by prmlmnged expmdure tm cmld temperatured and can mccur at temperatured ad warm ad 40 degreed in the right cmnditimnd. Keep yourself safe with these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BE WEATHER AWARE Before going out, check the weather conditions and, most importantly, the wind chill. The wind chill — the combination of the temperature, wind and moisture — is how cold it’s going to feel to you outside. Also be aware of rain or any winter weather that can cause treacher- ous conditions. Since being wet can amplify the effects of cold, if you’re going out in the rain, wear waterproof gear and boots. DRESS WARMLY Put on layers. As you warm up with moving around, remove the layers to keep yourself cool. You can add them back if you get chilled. Also wear a hat, scarf and gloves to protect tender extremities. WATCH YOUR HEART Cold weather puts more strain on the heart. If you have a heart condition, move a little more slowly than you would in warm- er temperatures. And never exert yourself on chores like shoveling snow without clearance from a doctor. SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA Hypothermia is an abnormal- ly low body temperature. Warning signs, the CDC says, are shivering and exhaustion, con- fusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and bright red skin. If a person’s body tem- perature falls below 95 degrees, it’s a medical emergency. If you can’t seek medical care immedi- ately; • Get the person into a warm room or shelter. • Remove any wet clothing. • Warm the center of the body first with an electric blanket or skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets or clothes. • Give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if they are conscious. • Keep the person wrapped in a blanket even if their tempera- ture rises. • Seek medical attention as soon as possible. © ADOBE STOCK Beating Dry, Itchy Skin B lasts from heaters may keep us warm and toasty, but they can also parch our skin and leave it itchy and dry. Follow these guidelines for keeping your skin soft and smooth all year long. GRAB A CREAM, NOT A LOTION Thicker creams protect better than thinner lotions says Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Dr. Christine Poblete-Lopez. Also, protect your face from windburn and frostbite with thick ointments. Use the creams two or three times a day, and make at least one of those applications right after you get out of the bath or shower to lock in moisture. Visit your local health and beauty store for tips on what products to use. AVOID HOT WATER Speaking of showers, avoid hanging out in a hot shower or immersing yourself in a scalding bath. It feels great on sore muscles, sure, but it can also dry out your skin. Limit yourself to five to 10 minutes and one bath or shower per day. You also might consider swapping your regular soap for a more gentle cleanser. Avoid soaps and detergents with a fragrance, as those scents can also cause itching. STAY HYDRATED Make sure you get your eight glasses and then some, if you need it. Also, it’s gross, but pay atten- tion to the color of your pee. If you’re hydrated, your pee should be clear or light yellow. Pay atten- tion as well to your thirst. When you’re thirsty, drink. If you stay hydrated, so does your skin. WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR You need to see a doctor if you have persistent dry, itchy skin; you feel itchy without a visible rash; dryness and itching keep you from sleeping; or you have open cuts or scratches from itching.
