HEALTH NEWS

Maryland Reports First Deaths Due to Cold Weather

Hypothermia is a contributing factor in four deaths
Preparation, common sense can help prevent cold weather death and injury

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that hypothermia was a contributing factor in the deaths of four Marylanders since November 21.

"Just a little preparation and common sense will keep you and your family safe and warm during the days and nights of sub-freezing temperatures this winter," said Secretary John M. Colmers of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). "We can save lives in severe weather by keeping our eyes open and checking our friends and neighbors, especially seniors. These tragedies can be avoided with just a small amount of caring, awareness and effort."

Hypothermia was a contributing factor in the deaths of 54 Marylanders during the 2008 - 2009 cold weather season.

DHMH reminds Marylanders of the dangers associated with winter weather include cold weather health hazards such as hypothermia and frostbite, as well as carbon monoxide and injuries from heat sources.

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 95 degrees (F). Nearly 600 Americans die each year from hypothermia.

Symptoms may include:

• uncontrollable shivering;
  
• cold, pale skin;
  
• numbness;
  
• fatigue;
  
• poor circulation;
  
• disorientation;
  
• slurred speech; and
  
• bluish or puffy skin.

Frostbite refers to actual freezing and subsequent destruction of body tissue that is likely to occur any time skin temperature gets much below 32 degrees (F). The areas most likely to freeze are toes, fingers, ears, cheeks and the tip of the nose.

People at greatest risk for frostbite include those with impaired circulation, the elderly, the very young and anyone who remains outside for prolonged periods. The danger increases if the individual becomes wet.

Symptoms of frostbite include:

• gradual numbness;
  
• hardness and paleness of the affected area during exposure,
  
• pain and tingling or burning in affected area following warming; and
  
• possible change of skin color to purple.

NEVER MASSAGE OR RUB FROSTBITTEN AREAS AS THIS MAY CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE SKIN.

Follow these tips to 'weather' the winter in a healthy way:

• Cover your head. You lose as much as 50 percent of your body heat through your head.
  
• Wear several layers of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. The air between the layers acts as insulation to keep you warmer.
  
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect lungs from direct, extremely cold air. Cover your ears and lower part of your face as well.
  
• Wear mittens rather than fingered gloves. The close contact of fingers helps to keep your hands warm.
  
• Wear warm leg coverings and heavy socks, or two pairs of lightweight socks.
  
• Wear waterproof boots or sturdy shoes to keep your feet warm and dry.

In addition to these cold temperature hazards, other common hazards in winter come from carbon monoxide and injuries from heat sources. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. This colorless, odorless gas can cause severe illness and death. Heating sources can also cause fires, electrical injuries, and burns, if not properly installed, operated, and maintained.

Tips to stay safe in cold weather can be found by visiting www.dhmh.maryland.gov and clicking on 'Winter Safety' found under Hot Topics.

CDC Recommendations for Traveling During the Holidays

CDC is urging people to take the following steps when planning their travel and to stay informed about what to do if they get sick while they’re gone, including:

• Traveling only when they are feeling well
  
• Getting vaccinated for flu (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 if they are in a priority group)
  
• Washing hands often
  
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve

“We know that flu – and specifically H1N1 this year – is a big concern for people, but flu shouldn’t ruin the holidays,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “By practicing a little prevention, people can enjoy their holidays and stay well at the same time.”

Click on the image to visit the CDC's Travel Page

Haz click en la imagen a visitar la pagina de CDC en espanol.

National and Local Officials Participate in Men's Health Fair

Notice to our Clients

According to the State of Maryland Executive Order 01.01.2009.11, the Howard County Health Department will be closed the following days to execute cost saving measures:

• Friday, September 4, 2009
  
• Wednesday, November 25, 2009
  
• Thursday, December 24, 2009
  
• Thursday, December 31, 2009
  
• Friday, May 28, 2010

Click here to view the Health Calendar, which lists health related events and other days the Health Department is closed.

Holiday Hours

Please be advised: during the holidays we have limited hours of operations. Howard County Health Department is closed the following days:

• Wednesday, November 25, 2009
• Thursday, November 26, 2009
• Friday, November 27, 2009
• Thursday, December 24, 2009
• Friday, December 25, 2009
• Monday, December 28, 2009
• Tuesday, December 29, 2009
• Wednesday, December 30, 2009
• Thursday, December 31, 2009
• Friday, January 1, 2010

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