Middle Tennessee is under a Cold Weather Advisory through Friday morning at 10am. Wind chills on the morning of Feb 20 are in the lower single digits and highs Thursday will reach only the 20s. Winds will be lighter Thursday night, but actual air temperatures will be colder with widespread lows in the single digits. It’s a good time to remind folks of the importance of checking on your elderly family members and loved ones during a cold snap.
When the weather gets cold, the elderly may develop a reduction in body temperature more easily. An excessive drop in body temperature can lead to hypothermia. This danger isn’t limited to being outside; it can also occur from being exposed to cold temperatures inside as well. With the current frigid temperatures, it’s a great idea to check on your elderly family members, neighbors or friends to make sure they are faring well in the cold
- Make sure the elderly are wearing adequate clothing. Wear several layers of not-too-tight clothing. Always wear a hat even inside to keep your body temperature above 95.
- Consume hot and easily digestible food with high calories such as milk, soup, and noodles.
- Keep the home warm but well-ventilated.
- Make sure they are up-to-date on their medications.
- Check to see if they are being active. Sitting or lying down for long periods of time can make it more difficult to keep a proper body temperature.
If you see someone exhibiting any of the following symptoms, call 911 immediately: sleepiness, confusion, cold hands and feet, pale skin, slurred or slow speech, dizziness or shivering, poor control over body movements or slow reactions or
weak pulse.
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