Dignity Health | St. Rose Dominican | Reach | Winter 2019

StRoseHospitals.org  9 Hold off hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can be replaced. The result is a drop in the body’s temperature, which can affect your brain and make you unable to think clearly or move well. It can happen gradually and under conditions you might not usually suspect, so you may not realize what’s going on. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can cause hypothermia. But you can also get it in temperatures over 40 degrees if you become chilled from rain or sweat. In addition, exposure to wind or immersion in cold water can cause hypothermia. Older people, babies, people who stay outside too long, and those under the influence of alcohol are all at increased risk. Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. This is a medical emergency, so get help right away. To avoid hypothermia, wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Cover your head with a hat. Wrap a scarf around your face and mouth. Protect your hands with a pair of mittens. And dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing. Seek snow safely How does heading to Mount Charleston to play in the snow Soothe skin all season Is the dry winter air of southern Nevada taking a toll on your skin? “There are simple steps you can take to care for your skin and be more comfortable,” says Inna Zdorovyak, MD, family medicine physician at Dignity Health Medical Group’s Pavilion Clinic. Goodbye, dry skin! ●  ● Keep showers short and baths brief—no more than 5 to 10 minutes. And use warm, not hot, water. ●  ● Gently blot your skin dry with a towel. ●  ● Trap much-needed moisture by applying an ointment or cream immediately after washing. Use gentle, unscented products. ●  ● Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air. ●  ● Stick with sunscreen year-round. Even in winter, the sun can take a toll on your skin. ●  ● Wear gloves outdoors, and use a nongreasy hand cream after handwashing. Inna Zdorovyak, MD Did you know? If you get overly chilled, you can get hypothermia even in temps over 40 degrees. Concerns about your skin? Seeing a specialist may help. To find a dermatologist who’s affiliated with St. Rose Dominican, call 702.616.4900 . Asian Lentil Soup What’s more cozy and comforting than soup? Find the recipe at StRoseReach.org . sound? Fun, right? Be sure to play it safe, too. ●  ● Always check the weather and road reports. Winter storms can make travel dangerous. ●  ● Make sure your vehicle can handle icy or snowy conditions. Use chains or snow tires when required. ●  ● Dress for the conditions. Get more snow season tips and driving directions for the Spring Mountains at StRoseReach.org .