Today I return with new tips to protect children's health in winter, and I do it because due to the cold wave that entered the Iberian Peninsula a couple of days ago, it is convenient to review some recommendations. With temperatures very close to zero, even below zero, and with so many cities, roads, mountains and beaches covered in snow, we need to talk about the risk of hypothermia. Because yes, snow is a lot of fun for your children (and for you too), but if you don't take the necessary precautions,your body temperature will drop, and other associated complications may also occur.
The little ones nor regulate their body temperature like us due to a still immature thermoregulatory mechanism. Children's bodies are more sensitive to cold and heat, but on the other hand, they tend to be aware of their games, so the feeling of discomfort may come too late. So I'll give you some clues to recognize hypothermia, but we will also talk about its prevention.
When it is very cold, there are more hypothermic episodes than we imagine, and also if it rains or snows, Children's skin can be damp and will have even more difficulty regulating temperature. Does this mean they can't go out making snowmen? Of course they can, but with proper preparation. And with closer or less supervision, depending on the age of the person.
Hypothermia, what temperature are we talking about?
Below 35 degrees, but also other symptoms are observed such as feeling cold, clumsiness, bruising, irritability (Although also lethargy, since in each person it manifests itself in a way). Do not wait more! If any of your children have these symptoms, the cold could affect their brain, and suffer neurological disorders.
How to act?
Upon suspicion, we will take the child to a Hospital Emergency service, warmly wrapped if conscious, and trying not to fall asleep. If he has become unconscious, we will also protect him well by sheltering him. If we have help, a person can remove the child's wet clothing and wrap him in blankets. There are times when the child is in respiratory arrest upon arrival at the hospital, even in a comatose state, these are the most serious cases. Knowing how to prevent will avoid many problems and dramatic consequences for health.
What do I do so that my little ones do not suffer from hypothermia?
Prevent, that's what you should doAnd how? It's easy:
Attention to the clothes we put on them!
- As long as the storm lasts, and in any case, whenever it is cold, prepare several pieces of thin long-sleeved clothing (2 or 3) each day, and put the jacket on top.
- The outer layer of the jacket, windbreaker or anorak should ideally be breathable and made of a material that can repel moisture. The inner layer better if it perspires.
- Hat, scarf (wide, that can cover the mouth), gloves.
- Thick socks, and if possible, wool tights.
- Waterproof boots.
And when they get wet ...
If they are very young and you go out with them to play in the snow, monitor their condition, and return home early to change them; If they already leave the house alone, they should move as soon as all the clothes that have wet arrive, starting with the socks (even in the rubber boots the water enters if there is a rainy storm, and of course if they play with the snow). It will be helpful to dry them with a soft towel., and if they are very small, you do not need to rub, but you can go tapping in order to achieve the desired effect.
The shoes are also removed and put to dry, That we go out to the street again? Well, we change them for others, and if we are already in the house, put on the soft slippers that your feet love, although socks thick enough to insulate from the cold of the ground are also worth.
What is this freezing thing?
It does not have so much to do with the neurological affectation, but with the freezing of the skin. Sometimes we are not careful and the tips of the extremities (fingers / toes), even the nose or ears freeze. You can recognize frozen skin by blisters, but also by turning pale or gray. The sensation for the little ones (remember that when they notice it there is already affectation) is burning, and some report numbness.
The advice is to go home, or attend them when they return, as follows: immerse the frozen parts in warm water, at about 40º, without rubbing with sponges or mitts. Then you have to dry very carefully and give them an infusion, warm milk or a cup of warm broth. If, despite the measures, the manifestations on the skin persist, we would have to take him to the emergency room.
How to avoid freezing?
Snow gloves (not wool) if they play with it, or are going to jump puddles, high rubber boots, ear muffs, and a mouth cover or panty that can cover the nose.
Ultimately it is about enjoying winter (not everyone can do it, I refer to populations or drivers that are isolated, but I speak in general), without that our health and that of the children is affected.