HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah —

If you are like most people, you feel cold every now and then during the winter. However, cold air can also pose threats to your health, whether you’re indoors or outside – and not just in bitter winter weather.

Left untreated, hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, can quickly turn dangerous. According to the National Institutes of Health, several hundred people in the U.S. – half of them age 65 or older – die from hypothermia each year.

Signs of hypothermia can include: Cold feet and hands, puffy or swollen face, pale skin, shivering, slower speech or slurring words, acting sleep, and being angry or confused.

Before venturing outside in cold weather, be sure to check the temperature and limit time outdoors if it’s very cold, wet, or windy; bundle up in several layers of loose clothing; wear mittens rather than gloves; cover your ears with a warm hat; and wear socks that will keep your feet warm and dry.

To learn more about hypothermia, other weather hazards and general emergency preparedness tips, join Hill Civilian Health Promotion Services team for ‘Emergency Preparedness’ at one of these upcoming sessions:

Jan. 10, 11-11:30 a.m., Bldg. 1A, Large Conference Room

Jan. 15, 88:30 a.m., Bldg. 509, Conference Room

Jan. 15, 10-10:30 a.m., Bldg. 1289 SW, Hill Conference Room

Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m.-noon, Bldg. 1515, Executive Conference Room

Jan. 31, 11:30 a.m.-noon, Bldg. 533, HAWC Small Classroom

For more information, contact Hill CHPS at 801-586-9586 or CHPSHill@foh.hhs.gov.