Tag: cold stress

MEDICAL HEALTH AND COLD WEATHER

Posted on by Jim Wood

Working in cold weather can have a greater impact on people with underlying health issues. Those people who take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) or cardiovascular disease may be at increased risk during cold weather exposure.

INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE

For people with hypertension, colder weather can increase their blood pressure to levels higher than normal. Cold weather narrows blood vessels, leaving less room for blood flow which, in turn, raises blood pressure. The heart must pump harder to circulate blood through constricted blood vessels. As a result, your blood pressure and heart rate increase. Higher-than-normal blood pressure and increased heart rate can potentially lead to a heart attack.

CAFFEINE USE AND COLD TEMPERATURES

Blood pressure can go up significantly after caffeine use because it can block a hormone that keeps our arteries open wide. The blood vessels supplying blood to the brain can narrow as much as 27% after caffeine intake. Together, caffeine and cold temperatures can put those with underlying heart issues at greater risk.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS AFFECTED BY PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO COLD TEMPERATURES

Excessive cold stresses the body, causing it to release hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol. Cortisol, the hormone released into the bloodstream during stressful situations, helps regulate the body’s sugar, salt and fluid levels. Elevated cortisol over the long term produces glucose, leading to increased blood sugar levels. For those with diabetes, this can be dangerous.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • Reduce caffeine intake if you are being treated for hypertension or other cardiovascular issues.
  • Be aware of possible medical complications with your medications while you’re working in cold weather.
  • Dress in layers and keep your head and hands covered.
  • Keep extra gloves, hats and jackets available.
  • Take frequent breaks in a warm, dry area.
  • If someone shows signs of cold-related stress or injuries, get them to warmth immediately.

Download a printable PDF and recording form here.

Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.

COLD STRESS

Posted on by Jim Wood

Just as there is the potential for heat stress in spring and summer, there is the potential for cold stress in the fall and winter months. Cold stress happens when the skin temperature drops and eventually reduces the internal body temperature. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage or death may result. The body loses heat through:

  • Convection – We can lose up to 10-15% of our body heat as air moves across the skin’s surface.
  • Radiation – The body radiates and loses heat. Your body loses 40-45% of its heat through the head and neck. Combine that with wrists and ankles, and heat loss approaches 60%.
  • Conduction – Holding cold tools or kneeling or sitting on the cold ground will cause your body to lose heat.
  • Respiration – When we breathe, we warm the air in our lungs. Then we exhale that warm air, resulting in significant heat loss. Breathing through your nose helps warm the air as it enters your body slightly more than breathing through your mouth.

KEEP YOUR CORE AND BODY EXTREMITIES COVERED

It is important to dress in light layers that you can add/remove as you become colder or warmer. Excessive layers can cause you to sweat, leading to wet clothing that can affect your body’s ability to maintain its temperature. Wear synthetic or cotton/synthetic blends as a base layer next to your skin to wick away sweat.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS RESULTING FROM PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO COLD TEMPERATURES

People who take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease may be at increased risk during cold weather exposure.

Cold stress often causes the body to release survival hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol. These cause the liver to release more glucose for energy, which can result in higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. Cold weather can also increase blood pressure, resulting in the increased potential for heart attacks.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • Dress in layers and cover your head and hands.
  • Keep extra gloves, hats and jackets available. This enables you to add layers or replace wet clothing.
  • Take frequent breaks in a warm, dry area to limit the effects of exposure to the cold.
  • Include a thermometer and chemical hot packs in your first aid kit.
  • If someone shows signs of cold-related stress or injuries, get them to warmth immediately.

Download a printable PDF and recording form here.

Members can download the audio version of this toolbox talk here.