Winter may be far from over, and there may be times when it is cold enough to be hazardous — especially to children who may want to go outside to play. Once outside enjoying themselves, they may not realize how cold they really are. Children may also
A little extra attention to detail before children leave the house on such cold days is, therefore, necessary to prevent frostbite — an injury to the body caused by freezing, and hypothermia — abnormally low body temperature.
The Medical Society of the State of New York recommends the following precautionary measures to protect children from the physical harm of frigid weather.
• Make children wear a hat and make sure their ears are covered with the hat or with earmuffs or a scarf. The scarf can also be used to cover their faces if it is windy or very cold.
• Make them wear mittens, which keep hands toastier than gloves.
• Insist that warm socks be worn with water-resistant boots.
• When children go out to play in the snow, make sure dry clothing is waiting for them inside in case they get wet.
• Supervise children playing outside. Be alert to signs of frostbite on the skin, often a white or grayish-yellow color, or for shivering or loss of coordination that could indicate hypothermia.
This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York. For more health-related information and referrals to physicians in your community, contact the New York City Department of Health by calling 311.
