The medical ins and outs of hypothermia. This is Dr. Steven Andrew Davis, Speaking of health. For some people, even mildly cool environments prove too much to overcome, because of their own physical factors, like limited mobility, or because of their intrinsic shivering mechanism is not working properly, or because they have a lower metabolic rate. Others are at increased risk for hypothermia because they have lower levels of protective fat, or are chronically ill. Those facing the severe cold as well as those with risk factors need to be on the lookout for symptoms of hypothermia, which often come on insidiously.
Early signs can include shivering, numbness, fatigue and poor coordination.
More pronounced symptoms of hypothermia can include slurred speech, impaired ability to think, blueness or puffiness of the skin, and acting irrationally. While other conditions have symptoms which mimic those of hypothermia, early recognition of symptoms can lead to prompt treatment and even prevent death. It's important, for example, that clothes be dry. Also, people outdoors in extreme cold should take care to maintain adequate fluid and caloric intake and avoid overexertion and sweating. Speaking of Health, I'm Dr. Steven Andrew Davis for CBS News.