ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, January 27, 1997 TAG: 9701280031
SECTION: NEWSFUN PAGE: NF-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN GRIESSMAYER STAFF WRITER
During the last cold spell, when temperatures dropped into the single digits and gusts of icy wind made it feel much colder, how prepared were you?
Were you one of those kids shivering at the bus stop with no gloves or hat and icicles hanging out of your nose?
Or were you toasty warm inside your enormous ski jacket and snow pants, so bulky that you walked like Frankenstein?
Cold weather is serious business. Just ask any mom who's ever run after her child, waving a wool hat and shouting "You'll catch a cold! You'll catch pneumonia!"
And while doctors say there's no evidence to prove that being cold will give you a cold, they agree that cool temperatures can set you up for ailments much more serious than a case of the sniffles.
Dr. William Gordge, a pediatrician (children's doctor) and frequent cold-weather camper, said people - kids and adults - need to watch out for hypothermia and frostbite.
Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that occurs when the body's temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Frostbite is when a person's skin actually begins to freeze.
Hypothermia and frostbite can be life-threatening, but fortunately they can be prevented with a little bit of common sense.
"When kids are dressing for the cold, there's three important words they need to keep in mind: warm, dry and comfortable," Gordge said.
Gordge explained that younger kids get colder easier. He also said that kids tend to get wetter than adults, mostly because kids like to roll around and play in the snow, jump in puddles and throw snowballs at each other.
"Obviously, you need to keep your clothes warm and dry, but the clothes also should be comfortable and fashionable. Otherwise, children won't wear them."
In other words, that Care Bears windbreaker your aunt sent you won't do you any good if it's home in your bottom drawer because you're embarrassed to wear it.
Here's some more tips to keep you warm this winter:
nDress in layers. Gordge recommends three layers of clothing to protect you from winter chills. The first layer is underwear, either normal or insulated, depending on how cold it is outside.
The second layer is insulation. Wool and down are OK, but man-made materials seem to work best. Fleece pullovers are great. They're available at most discount stores and are very inexpensive. Jeans or sweatpants will keep your legs warm enough in most situations.
The third layer should be both waterproof and windproof, but it doesn't have to be a $300 ski jacket from L.L. Bean. "The most practical thing is a normal below-the-knee raincoat," Gordge said.
nCover your hands. When you take off your gloves to throw that snowball at your little sister, you could be in trouble with more than just your parents. Frostbite thrives on cold, wet hands.
Gordge said gloves are good, but mittens are even better because they keep your fingers together. When buying gloves or mittens, look for ones that are insulated and waterproof with elastic at the wrist to keep out the snow.
nIf your head gets cold, you will too. Mom always says it and she's right. You lose a lot of precious body heat through your head, so keep it covered.
A thick wool stocking cap will get the job done. So will bomber-type hats or ski masks. The more skin you can cover, the better.
nKeep your feet warm. Sitting through an entire school day with cold, wet feet can be miserable. Wear waterproof boots and thick socks if you'll be in the snow, and bring an extra pair of socks to change into.
nEat breakfast. A good, healthy meal before you brave the cold will keep you warmer longer, according to Gordge.
nDon't overdo it. Sledding and snowman-building are fun, but remember to come inside every now and then to get some hot chocolate. When it gets really cold out, stay inside as much as possible.
Following these steps will keep you cozy and safe when Old Man Winter comes chasing after you.
You weren't the one who threw that snowball at his car, were you?
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: JANAL RHODA/Staff. 1. On a cold January afternoon inby CNBRoanoke, buddies Lamont Stone, 12, Bernard Walker, 15, and Clinton
Moore, 14, return from a trip to a nearby convenience store. Who do
you think stayed the warmest? 2. On another cold day, 12-year-olds
James Braley (below left) and Richard Shorter play a game of
basketball without their coats. They say they play better that way,
but are they setting themselves up for sickness? color.