BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – As dangerously cold temperatures move into the region, healthcare professionals are urging residents to take extra precautions before heading outdoors. Nurses say extreme cold is more than just uncomfortable and it can have serious impacts on your health.
Medical staff at Beckley Appalachian Regional Healthcare say cold weather can affect the lungs, strain the heart, and increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for vulnerable populations.
“Respiratory issues and chest pain are things we see more often when temperatures drop,” said Brittney Reid, a registered nurse at BARH.
Clinical Nurse Manager, Stacey Hess, said “Pneumonia is one of the most common illnesses treated during prolonged cold exposure.”
“Pneumonia is one of the biggest respiratory illnesses we see, along with frostbite and hypothermia from being out in the cold,” Hess said.
Many viewers ask whether cold weather itself can make you sick. Nurses said the answer is more complex.
“Cold weather does not inherently make you sick,” Hess explained. “But it can decrease your immune system and make it easier to catch the viruses that cause illness.”
To stay safe, medical professionals stress the importance of dressing properly and paying attention to early warning signs from your body.
“Definitely bundle up and pay attention to your hands, fingertips, toes,” Reid said. “You want to wear gloves. Mittens are best because they keep your hands warmer.”
Hess recommends wearing multiple loose layers to help trap warm air and improve circulation.
“You want a heavier jacket that is waterproof and hooded,” she said. “Mittens, waterproof boots, head coverings, and even face coverings are important if you plan to be outside for any length of time.”
Healthcare providers also caution people with heart conditions to take special care during winter activities like shoveling snow.
“If someone has heart issues, they should talk to their healthcare provider before shoveling or doing strenuous activity outside,” Reid said. “Shoveling snow is very heavy exercise.”
Hess adds that using the right technique can reduce strain.
“When shoveling, use a lightweight shovel and keep it close to your body. Bend at the knees, shovel in layers, and take frequent breaks,” she said. “Go inside to warm up and do only what your body allows. Do not overexert yourself.”
Medical staff say staying informed, listening to your body, and taking precautions can help keep both residents and emergency rooms safe during extreme cold snaps.
