Working in the Cold Published Dec. 17, 2008 By 375th Airlift Wing Safety Office SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- For many people, working or playing in cold weather can be a positive experience. People may feel invigorated by the bracing air and feel like doing work with more physical energy than usual. When it comes to leisure, cold weather offers many enjoyable activities whether it's skiing, skating, snowmobiling or ice fishing. Unfortunately, all the enjoyable aspects of working or playing out in cold weather can turn negative if not dressed warmly or dryly enough. Over exposure to cold and dampness can cause body temperature to lower. This condition is called hypothermia. Some symptoms are shivering and chills or becoming unable to think or speak clearly. People may also lose their coordination and quite possibly their consciousness. People could also get frostbite which is when body tissue freezes. Frostbite happens most frequently to extremities like feet and toes, fingers, face and nose. Symptoms include numbness and a white and waxy appearance to skin. There are many things you can do to dress properly for the cold: Dress in layers to be able remove or put on clothing according to the temperature. Always wear a warm hat, this is the part of the body that loses heat the fastest. There are also liners to wear to keep heads warm under a hard hat or other kinds of protective head gear. Consider wearing a knitted face mask to deflect cold and wind chill. Wear waterproof, insulated boots with several layers of socks, preferably cotton ones under wool. They enable feet to breathe. When socks or boot liners become wet, remove and replace them. Always wear warm gloves or mitts. Some gloves have liners which, if wet, should be removed and replaced. In addition to dressing properly for cold conditions, it's important to eat regularly when out in the cold, especially foods high in carbohydrates and fats. The body requires an enormous number of calories to shiver and keep warm. Alcohol should be avoided. Try to keep moving while in the cold; don't be still. This helps to keep body temperature up and circulation moving. If experiencing symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, get to a shelter right away and seek medical help. When working or playing in the cold, it is a good idea to have a companion. Remember: working or playing in cold weather can be a positive experience if dressed warmly and using common sense about protection.