The staff at Provena Covenant Medical Center have things covered for the winter weather. Provena Covenant's Emergency Department is ready, as always, to take care of cold weather injuries. Patients at PCMC receive top-notch care, but the best treatment is prevention. The fluids in the body tissues and cellular spaces freeze and crystallize. This can cause damage to the blood vessels and results in blood clotting and lack of oxygen to the affected area.
Affected areas are commonly the hands, feet, ears, nose and face.
Hypothermia is caused from prolonged exposure to the cold. Particularly at risk are the homeless. Prolonged exposure and wet or damp clothing combined with a reticence to seek medical combine to make a dangerous situation. Dress in several thin layers that provide adequate ventilation. Wear a hat and a scarf.