Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Winter storms can disrupt our daily routines and travel plans and exacerbate health conditions, so it’s necessary to take measures to avoid risks.
Recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that death rates in the United States typically spike by 8 percent to 12 percent during winter months.
Since 1979, over 19,000 Americans have succumbed to cold-related causes, as indicated by death certificates.
This rise in mortality is attributed to “seasonal changes in behavior and the human body” and an uptick in exposure to respiratory illnesses, noted the US Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition to ensuring your home and vehicle are winter-ready, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your health and that of others during periods of extreme cold.
Read more: New York City to be hit by ‘dangerous’ snowstorm – prepare for power outages
In freezing temperatures, our skin is prone to becoming excessively dry and cracked if not adequately moisturized.
Dr Tyler Barrett, executive medical director of emergency services at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, explained how cold conditions can affect the skin’s health.
“You do have increased risk for developing skin infections,” Barrett told CNN.
“We all have bacteria that live on our skin, and your skin serves as a barrier, keeping that bacteria from infecting you, so if you do get dry cracked skin, you are at some slightly increased risk.”
DON’T MISS:Storm barrelling east to bring dangerous winds, 10inches of rain to 70million [REPORT]Valentine’s Day misery as East Coast preps for Nor’easter bringing bomb cyclone [WARNING]Weather map shows heavy snowfall to hit several US states early next week [INSIGHT]
It’s important to ensure that infants under the age of 1 are sleeping in warm rooms, ideally maintained between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Similarly, for elderly family members or neighbors aged 65 and older, it is advised regular check-ins to confirm their homes are sufficiently heated.
Barrett highlighted that the risk of hypothermia escalates when the indoor temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended duration.
While it’s advisable to keep pets indoors during cold spells, if they venture outside, make sure to thoroughly wipe their legs and underbelly free of snow upon their return indoors.