{"id":5460,"date":"2010-11-14T15:50:29","date_gmt":"2010-11-14T23:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.stellerschool712.org\/flash\/?p=5460"},"modified":"2010-11-14T15:50:29","modified_gmt":"2010-11-14T23:50:29","slug":"nurses-notes-november-2010","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stellerschool712.org\/main\/nurses-notes-november-2010\/","title":{"rendered":"Nurse’s Notes – November 2010"},"content":{"rendered":"

November 2010<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cold Weather<\/strong><\/p>\n

The snow is here and winter is in full swing for us here in Alaska.\u00c2\u00a0 With\u00c2\u00a0 all this snow comes freezing temperatures which put at us risk for cold weather injuries and related woes.\u00c2\u00a0 Education regarding prevention, identification, and treatment of frostbite and hypothermia are important for all of us trying to stay warm while living in Alaska.<\/p>\n

Frostbite<\/strong> occurs when skin and underlying tissue freezes. This occurs when you are exposed to freezing temperatures.\u00c2\u00a0 Frostbite worsens progressively; initially, the affected area feels cold, turns white, stiffens, then becomes tingly or stings.\u00c2\u00a0 As it continues to worsen, the tissues harden and may change from white to blue or grey.\u00c2\u00a0 Eventually, the area numbs and the feeling of cold and pain go away.\u00c2\u00a0 Areas affected most commonly are your extremities (fingers\/hands\/toes\/feet) and the face (nose\/cheeks\/ears).<\/p>\n

Hypothermia<\/strong> occurs when your body temperature falls below normal as a result of exposure to cold or freezing temperatures.\u00c2\u00a0 Hypothermia worsens progressively; initially, you may begin to shiver and have difficulty performing fine motor tasks such as zipping your coat or tying a shoe.\u00c2\u00a0 As hypothermia worsens, you experience slurred speech, weakness, disorientation, and become tired.\u00c2\u00a0 Eventually, your pulse slows and your body becomes stiff.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/strong> for frostbite or hypothermia involves immediate medical attention by a health care provider.\u00c2\u00a0 One should get out of the cold, change into warm dry clothing, and hydrate with warm water.\u00c2\u00a0 Re-warming should be done slowly if possible via skin-to-skin contact, warm blankets, or a luke-warm water bath.\u00c2\u00a0 Do not rub frostbitten skin as this can damage the tissues.\u00c2\u00a0 The re-warming process is painful and tissues may swell.\u00c2\u00a0 Remember, frostbite and hypothermia are life-threatening conditions and require medical attention as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

Prevention<\/strong> is key.\u00c2\u00a0 Remember to plan ahead, dress in layers, and wear cold weather accessories such as a hat, gloves, scarf, and warm socks.\u00c2\u00a0 Go inside and warm up periodically, stay hydrated, and eat snacks to keep your energy up.\u00c2\u00a0 Avoid tobacco and alcohol.\u00c2\u00a0 Tobacco decreases circulation while alcohol impairs judgment and interferes with temperature regulation.<\/p>\n

Cold Weather Vehicle Tips for You and Your Driving Teen:<\/strong><\/p>\n