Hypothermia Blamed for Deaths -- Not even Florida dodges the freeze

Several suspicious deaths around the country are being blamed on hypothermia

. Tests are underway to confirm the exact cause of these deaths; however, officials believe cold temperatures claimed several lives. Residents in the Midwest are enduring the coldest winter in decades, and they are not alone. Low-temperature records have been shattered from Minnesota to Florida already, with incredible snowfall amounts near the Great Lakes and in northern New England. Another round of intense (and record-breaking) cold for much of the nation in the coming days is expected.

In Wisconsin, a man who was prone to sleepwalking died after exposure to the freezing temperatures there, according to a CNN affiliate.

In South Florida, a 77-year-old man who was in his apartment is believed to have died of hypothermia. By the time fire officials arrived he was unconscious. Temperatures have dipped into the 30s several times over the past two weeks and freeze warnings have been in effect for Miami and other parts of South Florida. His death could be considered the first in Miami that could be attributed to the record cold weather that has lingered in the city. In cold weather, your body may lose heat faster than you can produce it. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. It can make you sleepy, confused and clumsy. Because it happens gradually and affects your thinking, you may not realize you need help. That makes it especially dangerous. A body temperature below 95 F is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated promptly. According to the Center for Disease Control, (CDC) anyone who spends much time outdoors in cold weather can get hypothermia. You can also get it from being cold and wet, or under cold water for too long. Babies and elderly people are especially at risk. Babies can get it from sleeping in a cold room. Here are warnings signs of hypothermia from the CDC: Adults: shivering, exhaustion confusion, fumbling hands memory loss, slurred speech drowsiness Infants: bright red, cold skin very low energy If you notice any of these signs, take the persons temperature. If it is below 95, the situation is an emergencyget medical attention immediately. If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows: Get the victim into a warm room or shelter. If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it. Warm the center of the body firstchest, neck, head, and groinusing an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets. Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person. After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck. Get medical attention as soon as possible. A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance immediately. Even if the victim appears dead, CPR should be provided. CPR should continue while the victim is being warmed, until the victim responds or medical aid becomes available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated. Other cold-related health problems are: Frostbite - frozen body tissue, most often the face, ears, fingers or toes Frostnip - an early warning sign of frostbite that leaves affected areas white and numb Chilblains - red, swollen skin caused by inflamed small blood vessels Many people across the country will need to buckle down and take winter weather precautions in the coming days. The weather system, known as an "Alberta clipper," is expected to bring gusty winds, plummeting temperatures and a couple of inches of snow to Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday morning, according to the weather service.

Hypothermia Blamed for Deaths -- Not even Florida dodges the freeze

By: Lenneice Drew

POST COMMENT

Cell Phones: Maximizing Their Abilities Clotheslines, Time-tested, Grandmother-approved Nokia 7310 Supernova Stylish Contract Phone With Amazing Free Gifts Mobile Phone Shop: End Of Your Search Grab Free Polyphonic Ringtones For Your Cell Phone Making Your Mobile A Lively Gadget With Animated Mobile Wallpapers Best Blackberry Deal: A Perfect And Reliable Offer Mobile Phone Deals Get Effective And Valuable Mobile Pants on the Ground - Another American Idol Star? Nokia N900 On Contracts-for Affordable Communication Nokia Mobile Phones: Known For Their Reliability Samsung Genio Touch Contract: Enhance The Living Standard Greek mythology - Persephone