How To Stay Safe In The Dangerous Cold
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Most of us will be spending the weekend indoors.
Others will be braving the cold at the Eagles game, many fans tailgating beforehand.
3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has more on how to stay safe and warm out there.
Eagles fever is going to quickly melt in these kind of temperatures that are a health risk.
Not much rocking in Old City on this frozen First Friday.
"Bitter cold. A lot colder than I expected," one resident said.
"You could feel your toes kind of cold," another said.
It's dangerously cold to be outside, fit only for the brave and bundled up.
Eagles cheerleaders know all about the importance of protective clothing.
"Layering up. I suggest mentally preparing for the cold weather. It's going to be so exciting out there. The adrenaline is going to be pumping," Eagles cheerleader Corinne Jenkins said.
They may be warm and fired up now, but outside during the game will be dangerous.
"Early hypothermia starts when you stop shivering. Our natural response to the body temperature starting to drop is that we shiver and generate our own heat," Dr. Peter Sananman said.
Dr. Sananman with the Emergency Department at Penn Medicine says hypothermia, a low body temperature, can cause mental confusion and a loss of coordination and another cold weather danger is frostbite.
"You actually develop tissue damage and your skin can freeze. Once that happens you can have real serious permanent damage. You can lose a finger, the tip of your nose from that," he said.
Now, the signs of frostbite to watch out for are pain, red or white skin and numbness. Eagles fans or anybody outside needs to be aware and prepared and if you go outside, don't forget your gloves and a hat for sure.
