Health experts warn that it only takes a few minutes of skin exposure when the temperature is below 20 degrees for frostbite to set in.
Denver Health Medical Center offers the following tips:
• Dress for winter; wear light, loose, layered clothing with a water-repellent top coat.
• Protect the body’s extremes — head, hands and feet — with a winter hat, gloves, and boots.
• Don’t drink or smoke outside, or before heading outside. Alcohol, caffeine and nicotine can leave the skin prone to thermal injury.
• If toes, fingers, ears or any exposed areas feel numb, seek warm shelter immediately.
• Anyone with possible frostbite or hypothermia should seek medical assistance and treatment immediately.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or
