Bundle Up, Protect Against Hypothermia

This week’s freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia.

Cookeville Regional Nurse Practitioner Melissa Burgess said hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees, whereas the normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees. Burgess said hypothermia will set in first, and if not addressed, leads to frostbite.

“With the temperature being as cold as it is, anything below 32 degrees, if you have prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia or frostbite,” Burgess said. “What we recommend is that people definitely layer up, making sure that their hands and feet are covered.”

Burgess said cases of hypothermia and frostbite are common during the winter, especially when people are exposed to prolonged cold temperatures. She said hypothermia can set in within 30 minutes to an hour if the body is not protected. Burgess said while these conditions may sound concerning, simply bundling up, staying dry, and taking frequent breaks will help keep you safe.

“We see cases of hypothermia and frostbite every winter here,” Burgess said.

Burgess said hypothermia is dangerous because it can lead to total organ failure. She said frostbite occurs when body tissue begins to freeze, with fingers and toes being the first to suffer due to prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.

Additionally, Burgess said cold exposure reduces blood flow to tissue, making them more vulnerable to freezing, which can result in permanent damage.

“If you have to be outside, go out in short bursts. five minutes here, five minutes there,” Burgess said. “In zero-degree weather, someone can experience hypothermia and frostbite within thirty minutes.”