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I made a rookie blunder while packing for a snow-skiing trip this past weekend.  My 17-year-old son and I were taking a road trip to visit Appalachian State in Boone NC and get in a little skiing on Sugar Mountain.  As I was packing, the temparature in Orlando was around 75F.   The blunder? First I forgot to pack waterproof gloves and secondly my son and I assumed we could rent ski bibs on the slopes--unfortunatley they don't rent bibs.  We arrived in NC to tempuratures in the low 40s and a misting rain.   After our first spills in the snow, it became apparent that we had a problem.  Our hands were cold and our clothing was wet.  Our only solution was to take an hour or so out of our ski day and buy gloves and new bibs.  What a waste of time.  Since we are both adults and the temputure was in the 40s, we were in no real danger.  However, each year many suffer from varying degrees of preventable frostbite and frostnip.

As the winter air gets colder make sure you are properly protected from the elements. Below are some tips from the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on how to avoid frostbite.

Preventing Frostbite and Frostnip

Frostbite can attack when temperatures are below freezing. Wind and humidity can shorten the time it takes for frostbite to occur. Follow these recommendations to prevent frostbite and frostnip for yourself and your children:

• Do not go outside in very cold weather after a recent bath or shower.
• Wear warm clothing and dress in layers.
• Layer 1 – wear clothes that will keep moisture away from the skin. Thermal underwear, moisture-reducing winter sportswear, cotton socks and mitten and glove liners are good items to use. The first layer, like the other layers, should not be so tight that circulation is impeded.

Layer 2 – wear loose clothing that is intended to resist dampness and maintain body temperature. Heavy pants, sweaters and sweatshirts are good items for layer two. Layer 3 – wear tightly woven moisture-resistant outerwear. Moisture-resistant coats and jackets, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens and boots are good third layer items.

• Bring children in at regular intervals and inspect fingers and noses for signs of frostnip and frostbite.
• If you are away from home, take extra clothing along.
• Keep dry. Wet clothes increase chance of heat loss. Article can be found at http://www.chp.edu/besafe/adults/02frostbite.php

The key to being protected is to use a little common sense and to dress appropriately.  I am an outdoor enthusiast and encourage family outdoor activities whenever possible.  Winter is a wonderful time to experience many wonderful things.  Just remember, a little prevention can save a lifetime of problems.

Olan Chancy
www.southlandoutfitters.com