Bundle Up
Winters in the Midwest are guaranteed to bring
snow and cold temperatures along with them.
Poor planning of a winter outing can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. The following are some common misconceptions about the cold and suggestions for staying toasty warm this winter.
Myth: You lose body heat through your head.
Fact: There’s nothing special about your head.
You’ll lose body heat from any part of your body that is exposed. It’s a good idea to wear a hat, but other parts of your body must also be covered to keep
you from getting cold.
Myth: Men and women feel cold at the
same temperature.
Fact: Ever notice that women’s hands and feet tend to get colder before men’s? It’s because the external temperature at which men’s and women’s bodies begin conserving heat — called the set point
temperature — varies by about 3°.
Myth: Dress in layers to stay warm.
Fact: It’s true that dressing in layers allows people to adjust for different levels of activity. For the best results, wear polypropylene or another man-made fabric next to the skin, a knit middle layer (which can be taken off if you get too warm), and a man-made outer layer.