FRIDAY, Jan. 24, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- If you think someone may be suffering from hypothermia in this current extended cold snap, just look for signs of the "umbles" -- stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles.
Those physical clues show the cold is affecting a person's muscles and nerves and that he may require your help to protect him from hypothermia, says the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
In this current extended cold snap, some older people may lower the thermostat to save on home heating costs. However, not having enough heat in the house can increase the risk of hypothermia. That's a condition where the body's temperature drops for an extended period.
Hypothermia is a particular threat for older people with poor nutrition, and those who drink alcohol, take certain medications, and have medical conditions such as arthritis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, or stroke.
If you do suspect someone may be suffering hypothermia, take their temperature with a thermometer that's been shaken to its lowest point. If the person's temperature doesn't climb above 96 degrees F, call for emergency help.
While you wait for help to arrive, wrap the hypothermia victim in blankets, towels, coats or whatever else you can find. The skin on older people can be damaged easily. So be gentle if you rub their arms and legs to generate warmth.
More information
Here's where you can go to learn more about hypothermia.
If you need help paying your home heating bills, phone the National Energy Assistance Referral at 1-866-674-6327, where you can get the number of your state Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
