As Kansas expects freezing weather, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) offers advice on how to stay safe and avoid cold weather-related health issues:
- Wear appropriate clothing: Hat, scarf or mask that covers face/mouth, a water-resistant coat, gloves, several layers of loose-fitting clothing and water-resistant boots.
- Pay special attention to most-affected body parts: Nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin and fingers.
- Know the signs: If a person’s temperature is below 95 degrees, they should seek medical attention immediately.
- Hypothermia: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness
- Frostbite: Redness or pain on skin may be the first sign of frostbite. Other signs include a white or grayish-yellow area on skin, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness
- Monitor those at high risk: Although anyone can experience hypothermia and frostbite, some individuals are at a higher risk.
For questions, contact Student Health Services at student.health@wichita.edu or call 316-978-4792.