Tips for dealing with arctic weather

With highs only in the single digits expected Monday and the temperature dropping below zero overnight into Tuesday, an Elgin doctor and an East Dundee mechanic have tips for dealing with such frigid weather.

"My biggest worry is about the most vulnerable among us, namely young children and the elderly," Dr. Ashwani Garg said. Garg specializes in family medicine and is on staff at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin.

While most parents or guardians remember to bundle up infants, Garg said children ages 2-6 can be the most susceptible to frostbite. At those ages, mittens are preferable to gloves for keeping fingers next to each other and thus allowing hands to stay warmer.

"If not properly dressed in layers, hats, warm socks and good boots or shoes, it can take less than 5 minutes for a young child to show the early signs of frostbite, Garg said.

Garg noted red or blue skin discoloration — usually on the hands or feet — tingling and pain or numbness that can last for days as signs of frostbite.

Teens may be fond of wearing just hooded sweatshirts and even short pants outdoors in winter weather. Garb said their bigger bodies mean they can be outside for a little longer — maybe 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how cold and windy it is, Garg said.

Whatever the age, Garg said the quickest way to warm hands is to put them under your armpits.

Two years ago, during the polar vortex winter, Garg said he had an elderly patient who fell victim to the cold indoors. The man's furnace wasn't working, and he couldn't afford to have it repaired, Garg said.

The temperature inside the man's home dropped to 40 degrees, Garg said, which put stress on the man's body to stay warm, which contributed to him having heart failure.

Cold, and especially extreme cold also can impact the functioning of people on medications that include blood thinners and some blood pressure prescriptions, Garg said. Those dealing with autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and lupus and thyroid conditions also are more susceptible to issues arising related to very low temperatures.

People with asthma can have difficulty with their breathing in bitter cold, too, he said, and diabetics with poor circulation also might have trouble dealing with such weather.

Garg warned, as doctors do, that shoveling poses its own set of concerns, particularly for those who are out of shape or have heart conditions or other maladies.

"The cold plus the exertion can be a sure way to get a heart attack," Garg said. "There's also a chance of falling and a spinal injury."

It's a good idea to keep your nose covered in extreme cold, too, Garg said, as cold, dry air can dry out or irritate mucous membranes in the nose, making you more vulnerable to germs and viruses.

At the same time, the warm, dry air indoors — and a sealed house — means more dust and more problems for those with allergies. These conditions also leaves the nose dry, Garg said. And The combination of indoor and outdoor air also dries skin, so those with eczema and psoriasis may have flare-ups, as well, he added.

Preventive measures include making sure your furnace is in working order, with a clean filter, Garg said, and having a quality humidifier to add moisture to the air.

A patient this winter pointed to why it's important to have a carbon monoxide detector, Garg said. The woman didn't have one and had to be treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Using saline solution nasal sprays helps prevent dry mucous membranes, Garg said. He also noted a Japanese study that showed gargling with tap water can offer some help in preventing colds.

"Our kids gargle with it after they brush their teeth," Garg said.

Garg said, "Another underappreciated issue is how the lack of daylight can affect people."

Of what might help with such seasonal doldrums, Garg said, "It's important to try to stay active and engaged. Keep a routine."

Keeping your car in running order also is important, as is having items in it to help in case you do get stuck somewhere in frigid weather.

"Top of the list is to check tire pressure," Garg said.

Checking fluids, making sure there are blankets in the trunk, and having a safety kit and a battery jump starter are also things to do, Garg said.

"Jump starters can cost a bit (a Web search showed models from $70 and up), but they are worth the investment," Garg said. "I've used mine to help others 3 to 4 times each of the last few winters."

Mechanic Zoran Sarich, who owns and operates CarSmart in East Dundee, seconded Garg's remarks.

Sarich also noted the need to warm up a car for about 15-20 minutes before driving it in really cold weather. If a car's engine has a hard time turning over, it might be time to get a new battery, especially if the one you have is more than four years old.

"Make sure your antifreeze is rated to handle temperatures less than 5 below zero," Sarich said. "And keep your gas tank full."

Not getting tanked is especially important in very cold weather.

"It's a myth that alcohol such as a brandy will keep you warm," Garg said. "You body actually will lose heat, and on top of that, drinking too much can lead to digestive issues."

For more information on cold-weather health, Garg suggested visiting websites such as health.gov, www.healthypeople.gov ^[1] or Advocate's Health eNews site, www.ahchealthnews.com/^[2].

MDanahey@tribpub.com ^[3]