Risks of Cold Climate Travels

While having dinner one night with a friend of mine that owns a nightclub called Garden Nightclub & Karaoke came to the conclusion that there are many risks that are associated with cold climate travels. That’s because even in places with mild climates, rain and wind can cause cold-related injuries. Diving or swimming in cold water can also hinder your ability to remain afloat within 15 minutes.  

Basically, it’s advisable to wear warm clothing whenever you travel to places with cold climates. Essentially, you should have several layers of loose clothing. Wear gloves to keep your hands protected from cold. Also keep your head protected by wearing a hood or hat.

If it’s wet in your travel destination, put on waterproof shoes with good traction. Also wear cold-weather gear that does not block eyesight or restrict movement. When you engage in adventurous activities in a place with cold weather, always wear safety gear and equipment. Also make sure that your body is dry and warm.

Hypothermia

When you travel to a place with a cold climate, you expose yourself to the risk of hypothermia. This happens when the body temperature falls below 95oF. Mild hypothermia makes a person feel confused. This hinders the ability to think that something is wrong until the condition escalates. Your judgment becomes clouded when your body gets too cold. This can lead to making deadly mistakes.

Early hypothermia symptoms include feeling tired, shivering, being confused, and being clumsy. Shivering can stop when the body looses excessive heat. The skin can turn blue, breathing and pulse can slow, eye pupils can expand, and eventually you can pass out.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when body parts freeze leading to tissue damage. Toes and fingers are mostly at the risk of frostbite. If tissues in the affected part can’t be saved, amputation is the only option.

Symptoms of frostbite include tingling or numbness and pain or stinging on the parts that are exposed to cold. This condition is treatable by warming the affected parts of the body in warm water.

Currently, there are modern equipment and clothing that decrease the risks of cold climate travels. Nevertheless, these conditions still affect travelers due to poor planning and unexpected weather.