We escape from the cold

06.04.2026

On 12.03.2011

Cold weather dictates its conditions to us. The frosts have dragged on, and we are forced to change our entire lifestyle to adapt to the weather conditions. The number one task is not to freeze. Hypothermia can provoke a multitude of diseases. To maintain health even in the most severe cold, it is necessary to remember simple precautions.

Dress warmly, according to the “cabbage” principle, so that the layers of air between the clothes retain body heat. All clothes should be dry.
Of course, you also need to wear warm shoes. Warm insoles, like wool socks, are our faithful friends, but it is important not to overdo it. The foot should feel free in shoes, if it is cramped – for example, with three socks one on top of the other and a narrow boot – blood circulation is hampered and the risk of frostbite increases. In addition, the very layer of air that protects us from frost disappears.
Do not wear metal jewelry. Metal cools quickly, jewelry hinders blood circulation and contributes to frostbite.
Eat well. Frosty days are not the time for diets. Focus on meat, fish, broths, dairy products – they are nutritious, slowly digested and will help you not to freeze.
Take vitamin C – it improves blood microcirculation, protecting you from hypothermia.
Do not overheat before going outside – take warm baths, drink half a liter of hot tea, trying to accumulate heat. Unfortunately, this has the opposite effect. A sharp temperature drop causes blood vessels to narrow, and increased sweating leads to a sharp loss of heat.
Do not overwork either – a tired person freezes faster.
Try to breathe through your nose when outdoors – this way the air has time to warm up and does not cause harm.
Don’t stand in the wind – cold wind increases the risk of frostbite.
Don’t stand outside at all – as we all know, in order not to freeze, you need to move – not necessarily very intensively, the main thing is not to stand still.
It is recommended to move on ice in small steps, with slightly bent knees, “elastic” legs, and the body slightly tilted forward.
It is strictly not recommended to smoke in the cold. Firstly, your hands freeze and the cold air “burns” the respiratory tract, and secondly, nicotine itself worsens blood circulation and prevents you from warming up.
Alcohol does not help to preserve heat at all, what it does is give the illusion of heat, which is why you may not feel the signs of hypothermia and frostbite in time.
If you feel that you are losing sensitivity in your limbs, immediately go into a warm room. It is not recommended to rub the affected areas of the body with snow or gloves – you will injure the frostbitten skin.
You need to warm up gradually. First of all, you need to get into a warm room, get rid of wet clothes or shoes. In no case should you immediately put your hands that have frozen to the point of loss of sensitivity under hot water or grab them by the battery – this causes necrosis (dying) of the damaged layers of the skin. It is best to hold your hands or feet under barely warm, almost cool water, gradually increasing its temperature. If you need to warm up your whole body, it is best to take a bath with a water temperature of 36-37 degrees.
After warming up a bit, it’s good to have a hot drink and eat.