A cold snap has Weyburn seeing temperatures in the low minus 20s with windchills colder than minus 40. These conditions pose a variety of risks for anyone spending any amount of time outdoors. Doctor Stanley Enebeli is a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. He describes one of these risks as hypothermia.
“Hypothermia can be identified by shivering, confusion, or even loss of muscular control.”
Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature below 35 degrees. Dr. Enebeli stresses that it is a serious medical condition and must be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
“Please seek medical attention immediately, as it's also a very serious condition and requires emergency medical care, as hypothermia can quickly lead to unconsciousness and death if the heat loss isn't stopped.”
He says the best way to prevent hypothermia is through preparedness for extremely cold temperatures. He notes dressing in layers, covering all exposed skin, and watching for symptoms whenever going outdoors.
“So being prepared is your best defense against having to deal with extremely cold weather. By preparing your home and even your car ahead of winter storms or other winter emergencies, and by taking safety precautions during extremely cold weather, all these can help reduce your risk of developing health problems related to cold weathers.”