How to Spot the Signs and Prevent Hypothermia in Children and Adults

For many families, winter is a season full of snow, warm beverages, and fun outdoor play. But freezing weather can also lead to hypothermia, a condition in which the body becomes exposed to cold temperatures, and when the body loses heat faster than producing it. When hypothermia sets in, a person’s organs cannot function normally, which can lead to organ failure or even death.

Prevent hypothermia in children and adults by practicing these safety tips:

Signs of Hypothermia

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Shivering is likely the first thing you'll notice as the temperature starts to drop because it's your body's automatic defense against cold temperature — an attempt to warm itself.” Hypothermia symptoms appear slowly and begin to reduce a person’s ability to think clearly. It’s a dangerous condition because most people don’t recognize the signs until it’s too late. The very young and the elderly are most at risk because they cannot regulate their body temperatures.

Look for these common hypothermia symptoms:

• Body tem