“Frostbite is no joke. The effect it has on the skin is similar to a burn, so people with severe frostbite are treated here in our burn centre,” he says.

Here are five tips to avoid frostbite, and what to do if you think you may have it:

1) Layer up

If you know you’ll be outside for an extended period of time, dress for the weather.

“The easiest thing you can do to prevent frostbite is to dress properly, with a warm coat, boots, hat and gloves,” says Dr. Jeschke.

2) Wear gloves at the gas station

Take extra care when fueling up your car in the winter, and wear gloves when doing so.

“Getting gasoline on your hands when it’s very cold out will cause your skin to freeze within seconds, because it conducts the cold extremely well,” he says.

3) Don’t use hot water to thaw out

If you think you have frostbite, get indoors as soon as possible and use lukewarm water to warm the affected area. You can also take ibuprofen to help ease pain and swelling.

“Hot water can actually cause more damage. So can a direct heat source, like a fireplace, because your skin has lost sensation and you won’t realize you’re actually burning yourself,” says Dr. Jeschke.

4) Know the signs of severe frostbite

There are different degrees of frostbite, ranging from superficial (called frostnip) to deep freezing that can destroy bone. The feeling of pins and needles, lack of feeling in a certain area, or skin that is hard and pale may mean you’ve developed frostbite.

“If your skin turns black or some other strange colour, and then blisters, you’re in trouble. Get medical attention immediately,” says Dr. Jeschke.

5) Alcohol and cold temperatures don’t mix

“Drinking alcohol can give you a false sense of warming. It, in fact, widens your blood vessels, increasing heat loss and the risk of frostbite,” says Dr. Jeschke.

Alcohol can also affect your judgment, causing you to make poor decisions like going outside without proper clothes on or passing out in a snow bank.

“You may not feel the cold when you’re intoxicated. Or maybe you feel pain at first, but suddenly don’t feel cold anymore. When the pain goes away, that’s not a good sign,” says Dr. Jeschke. “Using common sense will help you avoid a frostbite injury.”

The post How to protect yourself from frostbite appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Combine these higher risk factors for seniors with dangerous winter conditions, and you can see why it’s so important for elderly pedestrians to take some precautions. Sarah Gallsworthy, Program Coordinator at Sunnybrook’s RBC First Office for Injury Prevention, has eight simple tips to keep pedestrians, particularly elderly ones, safe this winter:

1) Stay off your phone while walking– distracted walking is dangerous!

2) Be visible to drivers day and night by wearing bright, reflective items. Add a reflective sticker or patch to your jacket and bag

3) Wear proper and well-maintained footwear to reduce your risk of falling on slippery surfaces

4) Plan your outings– try to schedule outings during daylight hours and good weather conditions. Give yourself more time when traveling during the winter, so you don’t have to dart through traffic to catch the bus!

5) Be as light as possible– avoid carrying things that could make you lose your balance while walking

6) Don’t jaywalk– only cross at intersections with traffic signals, marked crosswalks or stop signs

7) Make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb- slippery road conditions means it may take drivers longer than usual to stop. Wait until vehicles have come to a complete stop before starting to cross the street

8) Keep your head up! Avoid looking at something other than the direction you’re traveling in

Do you have an elderly family member or friend who could benefit from these tips? Please pass them along, and help keep pedestrians safe this winter.

The post 8 winter safety tips for pedestrians appeared first on Your Health Matters.