Winter health: Being prepared for severe weather

ZANESVILLE, Ohio-  When the temperatures drop tremendously, staying warm and bundled up can be a challenge for many.

Wednesday, we spoke with Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department Nurse, Alisha Hughes about ways be safe, and prevent hypothermia and pneumonia this winter season.  

“It is important especially as it’s cold out like today, it’s freezing that you do bundle up because the less layers you’ve got on you’re going to losing your body heat, which is going to put you at risk for things like hypothermia or frostbite, so that’s why it’s important to bundle up with coats, hats, gloves and water-proof jackets,” said Hughes.

Although anyone has the potential to catch these illnesses, Hughes expressed the severities for those who are at a higher risk.

“The ones that you see that can be at the highest risk are definitely the elderly and the babies, those are the ones we really push for the pneumonia vaccines. For elderly, they can lose their body heat pretty quick. Usually, they’re not as adequately nourished or they can be lacking as far as clothing goes or heating goes so they’re at risk for hypothermia as well.

As the temperatures will continue to be low for the remainder of this week, now is a great time to check in on your neighbors. Be sure you’re very well bundled up and finding ways to stay warm all winter.