Hypothermia is a medical condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. The result is that the body's overall inside temperature is lowered to life-threatening levels.

Normal body temperature is estimated around 98.6 degrees F. Hypothermia occurs when the inside body temperature falls below 95 degrees F. When this condition sets in, the body's nervous system, heart, and other organs cannot function properly.

Hypothermia can develop from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or cold wind, falling into cold water, or wearing wet clothes. People can even experience hypothermia from being inside a cold house.

Hypothermia can be hard to detect because heat loss can happen gradually, slowly affecting one's judgment. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion or sleepiness, difficulty thinking, slurred speech, lack of coordination, a weak pulse, shallow breathing, the inability to stop shivering, and loss of consciousness. If untreated, hypothermia can lead to death. Call 911 immediately if you think that someone exhibits warning signs of hypothermia.

Older adults are at increased risk for hypothermia. As we age, the body's ability to regulate temperatures and sense cold can lessen. Medications that can affect body temperature include pain medications, anxiety and depression medications, sleeping pills, and cold medicines. Know the side effects of all your medications. If you do not know the side effects, talk with your pharmacist.

Certain health conditions—including thyroid issues, poor eating, weight loss, stroke, severe arthritis, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and any condition that limits activity or restrains the normal flow of blood—also can change the body's ability to control its temperature.

The primary treatment for hypothermia is to bring the internal body temperature slowly back to normal levels. Wrap the person in a warm blanket until help arrives. Do not rub the person's legs or arms. Do not try to warm the person in a bath, and do not use a heating pad.

Here are some tips to prevent hypothermia:

• Dress properly for the weather.
  
• Stay inside on days that are very windy.
  
• If going outside in cold weather, wear multiple layers of loose clothing to trap warm air. Multiple layers of clothes will also help indoors if your dwelling is difficult to keep warm.
  
• Wear a hat, scarf, and mittens, because most body heat escapes from the head, hands, and feet.
  
• Remove wet clothing and put on dry, warm clothes as soon as possible.
  
• Keep your indoor thermostat set to no lower than 68 degrees F.
  
• Throw a blanket over your legs when you are sitting, and wear socks and slippers or shoes.
  
• Have someone check on you each day if you live alone.
  
• If your heat goes off, try to stay with a friend or relative.
  
• Shut doors and vents to rooms that you are not using.
  
• Cover your windows with plastic to reduce heat loss. Keep blinds and curtains closed.
• Stay active! Get up and move frequently. Walk around your house every hour when you cannot go outside. Exercise in your chair, or standing and holding onto your chair. Walk inside at a shopping center when you can get out of the house. Exercise will warm you up.

Stay safe in the coming cold weather!