Your body is designed to burn food for energy and produces heat from within. So don’t forget to eat! If his body gets cold, he will sacrifice his feet and hands to save his life. Ever wonder why your feet and hands are the first to get cold? Your body loses heat in 5 ways: radiation, convection, conduction, respiration, and evaporation.
- Radiation: Just as a wood stove radiates heat into a room, your body radiates heat into the air. The more insulation you put around it, the heat loss will be reduced.
- Convection it is air in motion. The wind blowing through your sweater or around your jacket is heat lost by convection. Windproof outer layers will help prevent heat loss.
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Sitting in cold bleachers at a soccer game, grabbing a ski pole, or just grabbing a cold zipper around your neck are heat loss from driving.
- Evaporation it is a very efficient cooling process.
6 tips to stay warm at a sporting event:
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Check the weather conditions before heading out. Look at your local weekly weather forecast so it’s easy to prepare in advance.
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Dress appropriately. If you are going to be in extreme cold, wear as many layers of warm clothing as possible. If it’s a little chilly, try dressing in a few layers and pack an extra coat or sweater in case the temperature drops.
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Be prepared for all conditions. Bring an umbrella, poncho, or warm jacket with you. Have a heated indoor place to go … you won’t want to stay outside if the weather conditions turn extreme.
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Wear waterproof shoes or boots with good grip. If your feet are cold and wet, it won’t matter how warm the rest of your body is. You will still be miserable!
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Wear long, thick gloves and / or mittens and socks. These protect your hands and feet, which are the hardest places to keep warm blood flowing. Try wearing thinner gloves under heavier winter gloves for extra warmth.
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Hot food package. Sometimes all you need in cold conditions is hot food or drink. Carry a thermos with hot drinks, soups, or noodles. Hot food and drink will warm you inside and keep your strength going.
Signs and symptoms of hypothermia: chills, shallow breathing, confusion, exhaustion, slurred speech, loss of coordination, weak pulse, loss of consciousness (in severe cases)
Treatment of hypothermia: remove wet clothing, protect the person from the wind, move to a warm shelter as soon as possible, rewarm the person with extra clothing, take the person’s temperature if a thermometer is available, offer hot liquids (avoid alcohol or caffeine).