What is hypothermia?

 If you are like most people, you feel cold every now and then during the winter. What you may not know is that just being really cold can make you very sick. 
 
Older adults can lose body heat fast-faster than when they were young. A big chill can turn into a dangerous problem before an older person even knows what's happening. Doctors call this serious problem hypothermia (hi-po-ther-mee-uh).

Hypothermia is what happens when your body temperature gets very low. For an older person, a body temperature colder than 95 degrees can cause many health problems such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse.

Being outside in the cold, or even being in a very cold house, can lead to hypothermia. You can take steps to lower your chance of getting hypothermia.

Keep warm inside

Living in a cold house, apartment, or other building can cause hypothermia. People who are sick may have special problems keeping warm. Do not let it get too cold inside and dress warmly.

Tips for keeping warm inside:

• Set your heat at 68 degrees or higher. To save on heating bills, close off rooms you are not using.
• To keep warm at home, wear long johns under your clothes. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.
• When you go to sleep, wear long johns under your pajamas, and use extra covers. Wear a cap or hat.
• Ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather.

Bundle up on windy, cool days

Tips for bundling up:

• Dress for the weather if you have to go out on chilly, cold, or damp days.
• Wear loose layers of clothing. The air between the layers helps to keep you warm.
• Put on a hat and scarf. You lose a lot of body heat when your head and neck are uncovered.
• Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it's snowy.

Talk with your doctor about how to stay safe in cold weather

Some illnesses may make it harder for your body to stay warm. Taking some medicines and not being active also can affect body heat. Your doctor can help you find ways to prevent hypothermia.

Tips for talking with your doctor about hypothermia:

• Ask your doctor about signs of hypothermia.
• Talk to your doctor about any health problems and medicines that can make hypothermia a special problem for you.
• Ask about safe ways to stay active even when it's cold outside.

Warning signs of hypothermia

Sometimes it is hard to tell if a person has hypothermia. Look for clues. Is the house very cold? Is the person not dressed for cold weather? Is the person speaking slower than normal and having trouble keeping his or her balance?

Watch for the signs of hypothermia in yourself, too. You might become confused if your body temperature gets very low. Talk to your family and friends about the warning signs so they can look out for you.

Early signs of hypothermia:

• cold feet and hands
• puffy or swollen face
• pale skin
• shivering (in some cases the person with hypothermia does not shiver)
• slower than normal speech or slurring words
• acting sleepy
• being angry or confused

Later signs of hypothermia:

• moving slowly, trouble walking, or being clumsy
• stiff and jerky arm or leg movements
• slow heartbeat
• slow, shallow breathing
• blacking out or losing consciousness

-NIH