A-Infos (en) hypothermia warning

[Floribunda Rugosa <rugosa@interport.net>]

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>
> CDC Warns Of Hypothermia Risks
>
>
>            NEW YORK (Reuters ) -- Each year in the
> United States about 740 people die from hypothermia,
> an abnormally low body temperature often due to
> exposure to cold environmental temperatures.
>
>      The US Centers for Disease Control and
> Prevention (CDC) recently issued a report on
> hypothermia, urging more public education on ways to
> reduce the number of hypothermia cases.
>
>            ``Persons with hypothermia are at high
> risk for death,'' write CDC experts. The condition
> sets in when a person's core body temperature drops
> to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) or
> below.
>
>            Hypothermia affects the brain, leading to
> an inability to think clearly or move well. A
> hypothermia victim may not attempt to seek shelter
> or call for help. Warning signs for adults include
> shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands,
> memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Warning
> signs for children include bright red, cold skin and
> low energy.
>
>            Anyone exposed to the cold for a
> prolonged interval without adequate protective
> clothing (particularly head gear) can develop
> hypothermia. In addition, poor nutrition, fatigue,
> and alcohol and drug consumption add to the risk.
>
>            Certain individuals are particularly
> susceptible to hypothermia, reports the CDC. These
> include the elderly, homeless or mentally ill
> persons, outdoor workers, trauma victims, and people
> with serious medical conditions like cardiovascular
> disease.
>
>            Hypothermia-related deaths occur mostly
> in winter months in states with cold winters, like
> Alaska and North Dakota, and states with mountainous
> or desert terrain, like Arizona and New Mexico.
> At-risk individuals, however, can develop
> hypothermia even in warmer climates, indeed, even
> when exposed to temperatures as high as 60 degrees
> Fahrenheit.
>
>            ``The prognosis for hypothermia is
> improved by prompt recognition of the clinical
> presentation and initiation of treatment,'' write
> CDC experts. A hypothermia victim needs to be
> brought to a warm shelter, and medical help should
> be summoned urgently.
>
>       Wet clothing should be removed and the center
> of the body -- the chest, head, neck, and groin,
> should be warmed first, using an electric blanket if
> available. The victim should also be given warm
> beverages.
>
>            From 1979 to 1994, nearly half of the
> 11,817 people who perished from hypothermia in the
> US were aged 65 or older, according to the CDC. The
> hypothermia-related death rate for men exceeded the
> rate for women in every age group. In the 65 and
> older age group, the rate for men was more than
> double that for women.
>
>            CDC officials call for more programs to
> educate the public about the dangers of hypothermia.
> ``Specific preventive measures include wearing
> adequate clothing (particularly headgear),
> maintaining fluid and caloric intake, avoiding
> fatigue, ensuring heated shelter, and refraining
> from alcohol consumption,'' they advise. ``In
> addition, outreach programs should include providing
> short-term, specialized emergency medical and social
> services during periods of extreme cold and
> providing shelter to homeless persons.''
>
>         SOURCE: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
> Report (1997;45:1157-1159)
>
>        Reut18:51 01-26-98
>
>        (26 Jan 1998 18:51 EST)
>
>
>            Reuters New Media
>    Copyright 1997 Reuters Limited. All rights
> reserved.
>
>
>
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> ______________________________________________
>  Speak only words of truth.
>  Speak only of the good qualities of others.
>  Be a confidant and carry no tales.
>
>  Dhyani Ywahoo,"Voices of our Ancestors, Cherokee teachings from the Wisdom
> Fire".
>


--
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