Health Updates from BBHD

The theme for March, 2010 is "Nutrition From the Ground Up." National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

Click on the topics below for practical food and nutrition guidance for healthy eating.

• 25 Healthy Snacks for Kids (PDF document)
  
• Smart Snacking for Adults and Teens (PDF document)
  
• Eating Right for Older Adults (PDF document)
  
• 20 Ways to Enjoy More Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains and Dairy (PDF document)
  
• Eating Right for a Healthy Weight (PDF document)
  
• Healthy Eating on the Run (PDF document)
  
• Power Up with Breakfast (PDF document)
  
• Shop Smart - Get the Facts on Food Labels (PDF document)
  
• Step Up to Nutrition and Health (PDF document)

* Source American Dietetic Association

Reducing the Risk of Hypothermia (1/2010)

What is hypothermia?
When exposed to cold temperatures, the body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of less than or equal to 95 degree Fahrenheit or 35 degrees Celsius. Low body temperature or hypothermia, affects normal muscle and brain function, making a person unable to think clearly or move well.

What situations can lead to hypothermia?
Cold temperatures usually below freezing, though it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40 degree Fahrenheit) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submerged in cold water. Blowing wind can also contribute to hypothermia. As the speed of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from the body much more quickly.

Who is most at risk for hypothermia?
Older adults especially with inadequate food, clothing or heating; young children especially infants less than one year of age because they lose body heat faster than adults; adults under the influence of alcohol or medication such as sedative and hypnotics which may predispose users to hypothermia and persons who remain outdoors for long periods like homeless, hikers, skiers, etc.

What are the warning signs for hypothermia?
Do not ignore shivering. It’s important first sign that the body is losing heat. Symptoms in adults include shivering/exhaustion, confusion/fumbling hands, memory loss/slurred speech and drowsiness. Symptoms in infants include bright red, cold skin and very low energy.

How should hypothermia be treated?
A person’s temperature should be taken if signs of hypothermia are noticed. If it is below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the situation is an emergency – get medical attention immediately. A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. Even if the victim appears dead, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be provided. CPR should continue while the person is being warmed, until he/she responds or medical aid becomes available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be revived. Reduce heat loss by adding layers of dry clothing (remove wet clothing) and by getting the person into a warm room or shelter. Provide warm liquids that are non alcoholic.  NOTE: Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.

How can you reduce the risk of hypothermia?
Wear layered warm clothing. In an emergency, keep an infant warm using your own body heat. Also, check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure that their homes are adequately heated. Maintain a warm indoor temperature. If the temperature cannot be maintained, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere. Local and state housing code (Sec. 19a-109 of CT General Statutes and Bristol Housing Code) requires that buildings maintain a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

How can I heat my home safely?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater. Remember to store a multipurpose, dry chemical fire extinguisher near the area to be heated; o not burn paper in a fireplace; Ensure adequate ventilation by opening an interior door or slightly opening a window if using a kerosene heater; Use only the type of fuel that the heater is designed to use – don’t substitute; If a heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, don’t use it. Use fireplaces, wood stoves, and other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside. Make sure chimneys and flues are periodically cleaned. Do not place a space heater near items that might catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding.

Additional Resources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Winter Weather: Hypothermia
http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.asp
Winter Weather Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/faq.asp
Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp

2. Resources for Children from American Academy of Pediatrics
Winter Safety Tips http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/decwintertips.cfm

3. Resources for Seniors from National Institute on Aging
Stay Safe in Cold Weather! http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/2E5CDADE-FAD7-44BA-B0BE-E8764EAABB4F/0/Stay_Safe_In_Cold_Weather.pdf

Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Hazard http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/hypothermia.htm
Also available in Spanish http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/hypother-sp.asp

Last updated: 3-6-10