For many people, the winter season means the return of holiday celebrations with friends and family or building snowmen out of freshly fallen snow. However, studies show that hospital visits increase approximately 10% during the holidays, a trend we’ve also seen at Reading Hospital.
This winter, I encourage you to be proactive about your safety and wellbeing by taking precautionary measures to prevent dangerous situations like carbon monoxide poisoning, icy road conditions, driving under the influence and frostbite.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Each winter, there is an increase in carbon monoxide poisoning cases at Reading Hospital. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is extremely deadly. When inhaled, oxygen becomes blocked and unable to reach important organs like your brain and heart. This winter, ensure you and your loved ones are safe year-round by preventing the risks and knowing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Never use a gas oven to heat your home. Using a gas-range oven to heat your home is not only a fire hazard, but it exposes you to carbon monoxide.
Never use a generator inside. The exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can fill your home quickly. Always keep your generator 20 feet from your home with the exhaust pointed away from any windows and doors.
Never start your vehicle inside a garage. This is it a fire hazard, and it exposes you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Even with the door open, starting your vehicle in the garage can build up enough fumes to be harmful to your health.
Use a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home. If carbon monoxide is detected, the alarm will sound and alert you to evacuate immediately. The battery in your detector should be replaced every 6 months.
Seek medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, disorientation, or loss of consciousness.
Get home safely
Reading Hospital has the busiest emergency department in the state of Pennsylvania, but especially so during the winter. Studies show that car accidents and alcohol-related fatalities increase due to a rise in the number of people traveling to visit friends and family during the holiday season.
If you have a holiday celebration on the calendar or find yourself traveling this winter, be proactive by coming up with a plan to avoid a potential life-threating accident.
Plan how you’re going to get home safely. Plan by arranging for a friend or family member to drive you home, or by using local public transportation and rideshare services. If you are the designated driver, commit to sobriety to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Never get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Practice safe driving skills. Use caution when traveling on icy roads and maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead of you.
Listen to weather and travel advisories. Avoid traveling in harsh conditions.
Prevent frostbite
Reading Hospital also sees a number of patients showing symptoms of frostbite during the winter months. Our skin contains approximately 64% water that can freeze if exposed to freezing temperatures for prolonged periods of time.
When the water in our skin freezes, it causes a condition called frostbite, which can be dangerous and cause permanent tissue damage. Frostbite has three stages, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of each stage if you plan on spending time outdoors.
Frostnip is the first stage of frostbite and is characterized by the affected area feeling cold and sore. During this stage, damage to the skin is temporary and symptoms resolve once indoors.
Superficial frostbite is the stage associated with the “pins and needles” sensation many patients experience after being outdoors. This sensation is caused by the water in your skin beginning to freeze.
Severe frostbite is the third and final stage of frostbite, and it is the most dangerous. Severe frostbite occurs when the water in your skin has frozen, causing the affected area to numb and become hard to move. Frostbitten skin causes skin cells to die off, which can change the color of your skin and cause permanent tissue damage. If you suspect you have severe frostbite, seek medical attention immediately.
We encourage you to be proactive about your health and wellness this winter by avoiding dangerous situations that have the potential to be life-threatening. Reading Hospital is here for you and all your health needs, including those that are unpredictable. Our community-focused emergency department and Level I Trauma Center is equipped to handle medical emergencies for all ages.
Dr. Charles F. Barbera is president and CEO of Reading Hospital.
Source: Berkshire mont
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