NIH Radio
Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Risk for Older People – 3
Narrator: This is NIH Health Matters. Hypothermia occurs when a person's body temperature drops below normal and stays low for a prolonged period of time. Someone with hypothermia may look puffy or their skin may feel cold. Dr. Jack Guralnik at the National Institute on Aging, recommends that if you suspect that someone is suffering from the cold, and you have a thermometer available, take their temperature.
Dr. Guralnik: As you know, normal body temperature is 98.6. If their temperature is below 96 degrees, it is actually a medical emergency. You should dial 911. You should start piling on the blankets. If you have an electric blanket, use that.
Narrator: For more tips on the prevention and treatment of hypothermia, visit www.nia.nih.gov. Health Matters is produced by the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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