Sports Medicine
A Crucial Period
Good Pain, Bad Pain
On Your Knees
Secondary Injuries
Imaging Technology
What's Sciatica?
The Female Athlete
Putting Your Feet First
Itis Schmitis
Too Much, Too Soon
Under the Influence
Twisted
What's Goin' On?
Think Inches, Not Pounds
Preventing Vaginitis
That Painful Pull
Athlete's Heart
Exercise & Arthritis
Chilled to the Bone
Measuring Body Fat
Exercise and Your Breasts
Choosing a Sports Doctor
Lean on Me (Shoulder)
Exercise & Anemia
Exercise Abuse
Pelvis Sighting
Hand Aid
It's All in the Wrist
Back in Action
Altitude Adjustment
Tennis Elbow, Anyone?
Exercising in the Heat
Agony of the Feet
Restless Legs
Night Time Cramps
Birth Control Concerns
No Periods, No Babies?
Post Partum Prescription
Weight Loss Mystery
Undesirable Cooldown
To Brew Or Not To Brew
Fitness After Baby
Biking and Back Pain
Swimmer's Shoulder
A Hidden Athlete
Avoiding Osteoporosis
Drug Testing
Maximum Heart Rate
Headway Against Headaches
Torn Rotator Cuff
Fat Figures
SOS About PMS
Bloody Urine
Sag Story
Lackluster Leg
Bothersome Bulge
Gaining in Years
Taking It On the Shin
Aching Ankles
Hoop Help
Tender Toes
Meals For Muscle
Growing Pains
Hot Tips
High Altitude PMS
Personal Bests
Air Pollution
Ankle Blues
Heartbreak Heel
Yeast Relief



Chilled to the Bone

Continued...

The First Symptoms

Body temperature is maintained by a balance of heat production and loss. Your body produces heat in two ways: by processing food and through muscular activity. It loses heat through sweat evaporation and conduction from warm skin to a cold environment.

Evaporation from wet clothing, inadequate insulating layers of clothing and contact with cold air, ground or water all accelerate heat loss. Children, the elderly and thin people with less body fat are more prone to heat loss.

The first symptoms of mild hypothermia are an uncomfortable feeling of cold followed by generalized shivering. Shivering increases heat production but also rapidly consumes glycogen stored in the muscles. When glycogen stores become depleted, heat output decreases.

The onset of shivering is followed by a rapid heart beat and constricted skin blood vessels as the body tries to conserve heat. Disorientation, loss of coordination and slurred speech are the next symptoms.

Warming Procedures

Early recognition and surface warming can prevent mild hypothermia from becoming more serious.

To warm someone suffering from mild hypothermia, get her out of the wind, remove her wet clothing, put mittens, a hat and dry socks on her, and wrap her in blankets. Since dehydration may accompany hypothermia, give her warm fluids if available. When hiking or skiing, continue toward safety by the most direct route.

The effects of mild hypothermia on the mind may lead a person to continue exercising or to remove her hat and mittens. These actions cause further heat loss and may result in a life-threatening situation. We've all heard stories of skiers or hikers who have died within several hundred yards of safety overcome by confusion and drowsiness.

What happens during more severe hypothermia?

Next | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Previous


Order Now!
Order The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide
Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine



General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention


The information in this web site is for educational purposes only and is not providing medical or professional advice. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have or suspect you might have any health problems, you should consult a physician.


Copyright 2000 - Sports Doctor, Inc.