Over the last week, the temperature has taken a chilling dive into the minus 20’s and 30’s, which presents a greater health risk than one would expect.

As the temperature drops, frostbite becomes increasingly common. Appearing most often on fingers, toes, the nose, the ears, and the chin, frostbite is often considered nothing more than a quick discomfort due to being out in the cold. In extreme cold conditions however, frostbite can cause a surprising amount of damage to the affected areas.

In its earliest stages, frostbite causes the affected areas to turn red, and gives off a prickling feeling. Frostbite also causes numbness, and a hard or waxy look in the skin. Thanks to the numbness, it is common that one won’t notice they have frostbite until they feel the prickling, or a friend points it out. Frostbite can also cause clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness. In severe cases, even warming up from frostbite can have an effect, as the skin will develop blisters.

Staying out in the cold for only a few minutes will develop “frostnip,” a mild form of frostbite that causes numbness, as well as slight pain and tingling as the skin warms back up. The most extreme form of frostbite is called “Deep Frostbite,” wherein the skin turns to a white or bluish grey. It is also possible to lose all feelings of pain or discomfort in the affected areas.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent frostbite from settling in in the first place.

Covering up exposed skin is the most obvious solution, and dressing up in several layers can make an incredible difference.

Eating well balanced meals can help to keep the body warm, as does keeping the body hydrated.

It is also recommended that one avoids drinking alcohol before setting out into the cold air, as alcohol can cause the body to lose heat faster than normal.

Exercise will get blood flowing throughout the body, and can help one stay warm, so it is also important to keep moving.

The West Central Region is expecting extremely cold weather in the next couple of days, so being prepared for the chill can help to prevent more than just a moment’s discomfort.