Frostbite stages:

• First degree: ice crystals forming on your skin
• Second degree: your skin begins to feel warm, even though it is not yet defrosted.
• Third degree: your skin turns red, pale, or white.
• Fourth degree: pain lasts for more than a few hours, and you may see dark blue or black areas under the skin. See a doctor immediately if these symptoms arise. Gangrene is a real threat.

Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature is below 96 degrees, and temperatures as low as 60 degrees can cause hypothermia if someone isn’t properly clothed.

Remember these tips to help prevent hypothermia:

• Dress in layers
• Always wrap up well when going outside in the cold.
• Set your thermostat to at least a toasty 70 degrees during cold weather.
• Avoid extensive exposure to breezes and drafts.
• Keep plenty of nutritious food and warm clothes and blankets on hand to help ward off the winter chill. You’d also be wise to wear a warm hat during these months.
• Eat hot foods and drink warm drinks several times during the day.
• Ask a family member of neighbor to check on you often.
• Ask your doctor if any medicine you’re taking increases your risk of hypothermia. Some drugs make it difficult for your body to stay warm. Drugs that may cause a problem include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chlorpromazine, reserpine, and tricyclic antidepressants.