Did you know that outdoor temperatures do not have to be below freezing in order for someone to fall victim to hypothermia?  In fact, hypothermia, a drop in body temperature to a dangerously low level, can occur even in mildly cold weather, when air temperatures are in the 60-65 degree range.              

Older and ailing persons are extremely susceptible to accidental hypothermia because they often do not realize just how cold they are.  Because of this, they fail to take adequate steps to stay warm, even when others around them are shivering and bundling up.

As people age they are not able to generate body heat as regularly as they had in the past.  Mainly, this happens because their heart rates have slowed, blood vessels no longer contract as well, and muscle tone and body fat have been lost.

The risk of developing hypothermia also increases among senior citizens that have under active thyroids, suffer from diabetes or heart disease, or take certain prescribed medications.  Medications that can increase an older person's risk for hypothermia include drugs that are used to treat anxiety, depression or nausea, and even some over-the-counter cold remedies. 

Prevention                                         

 To protect against hypothermia, the Westchester County Department of Health recommends the following for elderly or ailing persons:

 * Keep temperatures inside the home at 70 degrees or higher.  If you have insufficient heat in your apartment, call your local building department or the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.

 * Always wear enough clothing (including sweaters, robes, socks and a hat, if needed) while indoors during cold weather.  Layering clothing is an effective way to keep warm.

 * Be sure to have enough blankets on the bed.  Socks, long underwear and a woolen hat can help keep a person warm while sleeping.  Flannel sheets and a wool or sheepskin mattress cover beneath them are very effective.

 Detection                        

 Be aware that victims of hypothermia normally do not shiver and may seem unaware of colder conditions.  Possible symptoms of hypothermia may include dizziness, low blood pressure, irregular or slowed heartbeat, slurred speech, drowsiness or slow breathing.

 The Westchester County Department of Health suggests that the most reliable way to diagnose hypothermia is to take the person's temperature.  While most home thermometers will not read below 94 degrees, it is reasonable to suspect hypothermia if the recorded temperature does not register higher than 94 degrees.  Generally, if the victim's body temperature hasn't dropped below 90 degrees, the chance for recovery is good.  If you suspect that someone is suffering from hypothermia, call a medical provider immediately.
 

 For more information on hypothermia and its effect on the elderly, contact the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.