Holly Firfer: Know your limitations in cold weather

Holly Firfer

CNN Medical Correspondent Holly Firfer discusses measures to stay warm during cold weather and the health risks posed by such weather conditions.

Q: What are the greatest health concerns during cold weather?

FIRFER: Besides hypothermia, which can be very dangerous, people with heart conditions should be very careful. In cold weather, blood vessels can constrict and slow down blood flow to the heart.

Studies have shown that in the morning when you're getting up, you are at a higher risk for a heart attack. So, be careful when you're shoveling snow. That exertion and cold weather can stress the heart. Keep that in mind even if you're outside walking around a lot or doing any kind of exercise in the morning in cold weather, especially if you have heart problems. You could be at higher risk for a heart attack in this type of weather.

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Q: What sort of precautions or preparations should people make for such cold weather?

FIRFER: First of all, just know your limitations. It's colder, and you may not realize just how cold it is and how cold you are. Just because you don't feel cold doesn't mean you should go outside without a hat or gloves. You can get hypothermia; you can get frostbite.

If you plan to exercise, modify your routine during extremely cold weather.You may put excess strain on your heart. Don't think, `I can go out and just shovel the driveway because it's only two inches of snow.' Be careful and, again, know your limitations.

Q: Are seniors more at risk during cold weather?

FIRFER: Seniors are at risk, because they tend to have heart disease, they're at higher risks for strokes and other problems. Sometimes, circulation is poorer in older people, so they can get colder a lot quicker.

We've always heard from our grandparents that they are always cold. You might visit an older relative and they've got the heat turned way up. That's because their circulation isn't what it used to be. So, in cold weather, seniors can be affected more than younger, healthy people.

Q: With the higher energy costs this year, are officials concerned that seniors might try to save costs by lowering their thermostats, possibly putting them at risk for hypothermia?

FIRFER: Absolutely. That's why officials are warning not to turn the thermostat down too low and pay attention to what your body is telling you.

We know that if you're becoming dehydrated, you are thirsty: your body is telling you that you need water. If you are chilly and get that bone chill, your body is telling you to keep the heat up. Don't take the chance by lowering your thermostat.

Q: What other advice is the American Red Cross giving to people?

FIRFER: The American Red Cross wants people to be prepared. It's January 2 and we have a full winter ahead of us. They're predicting a very cold winter.

There are things you can do to prevent yourself from getting sick. If you should face a power outage, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe and warm.

--One of those things is to prepare with an alternative heat source, such as a generator. You should have extra blankets on hand that you can bundle up with; wear extra clothing, layer a lot of clothing. You may not be comfortable and may not be able to move your arms well, but it helps to have a lot of clothes to keep you insulated.

--Drink warm fluids. Keep yourself hydrated and that will keep you warm. Have a supply of can goods on hand, so that if you lose power you won't starve. If you have a generator or if you have a fire in the fireplace, then you can heat the food up.

--Have flashlights on hand so you can see around your house should you lose power. Fireplaces are great. Make sure you have a lot of wood on hand, but also make sure there is proper ventilation.

--If anybody has special medical needs, if anybody is on a device that needs power, make sure that if you have a backup generator, it can handle your medical needs. If not, make sure you have a backup plan, such as getting to a shelter and/or a relative's or friend's house.