Doctors Warn of Health Threats as Arctic Front Hits

JACKSON, Tenn. - Doctors are warning of health hazards such as hypothermia and frostbite.

With winter storms coming the chances of getting frostbite and hypothermia are higher.

Doctor Michael Revelle warns you can get frostbite without even knowing it.

“The drop from fifty degrees to zero tonight is very extreme, many people may not realize it but it takes only ten minutes to become frostbitten.”

Doctor Revelle explains how frostbite can happen so quickly.

“The body is made up of water, and just like your pipes, ponds, and swimming pools and everything freeze when it gets below thirty-two degrees, so does the water in your skin when it gets below those temperatures.”

Hypothermia is another threat with very low temperatures.

Doctor Revelle says it can be deadly.

“The body temperature decreases so much it basically ceases to function. Muscles don't work, heart doesn't work, it can be obviously deadly if you stay outside in these temperatures below freezing.”

Doctor Revelle advises the easiest things to do to prevent frostbite and hypothermia are to bundle up and cover every exposed body part (especially your hands and feet), do not rub your hands or feet together if they are numb, (that can worsen frostbite), and stay inside if you can.