There are so many winter activities, there has to be at least one for everyone. We can choose from downhill and cross-country skiing, skating, and snowshoeing. These winter activities and others can be lots of fun, but they require a healthy respect for the weather. On that matter, the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute offers a few safety tips. Recognizing risks Frostbite and hypothermia are the most serious threats from exposure to cold.
Frostbite occurs when so much heat is lost that water in tissue close to the skin freezes.
The ears, face, fingers, and toes are most susceptible. Early signs include tissue that is waxy, white, numb, tingly, and cold. The earliest signs include numbness in the hands and feet and slight shivering. Continued exposure to the cold can lead to more intense shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, even a feeling of exhaustion. Serious cases require immediate medical attention.