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Show Cold Weather Here, American Medical Association Lists Health Hazards and Some Remedies limited. Thawing of the tissue as soon as possible is the first consideration. This can best be accomplished by getting indoors into a warm room. Treat the frozen part gently and do not rub or massage it. the old technique of rubbing snow or ice water on the frozen spot does more harm than good by delaying thawing. Medical treatment is needed promptly. Control of the severe pain is required, and antibiotics and antitetanus an-titetanus injections may be needed if the skin is broken. Often the frozen skin will eventually slough off. Cold weather is back again and with it come the health hazards that accompany sub-freezing sub-freezing temperatures. An ever present winter danger in most of the United States is frostbite. Frostbite is, naturally, more of a problem in the northern states, but even in most of the south there are occasional periods of weather cold enough to nip unprotected unprotec-ted noses and cheeks. The American Medical Association points out that frostbite can be very painful, can result in amputations and can leave the victim hypersensitive hyper-sensitive to cold for the rest of his or her life. In some ways the damage of frostbite is similar to a burn. Injuries to both deep and shallow tissue are comparable. First degree frostbite, like sunburn, sun-burn, is an injury to surface skin. It is likely to attack ears, toes, fingers, cheeks or nose. Second degree frostbite produces blisters as in second degree bu rns. In third degree frostbite the damage is deep and much of the frozen part may be lost Prevention is the best protection. This means being properly dressed in warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and heavy, dry socks, with good covering for head and ears. Keep clothing dry from both outside moisture and perspiration, and avoid tight clothing or garters that may restrict circulation. Motorists traveling across country in subfreezing weather are advised to have heavy clothing and shoes in the car, in the event of a breakdown and a necessary hike for help. If your auto is stalled in snow or ice some distance from help, it may be safer to stay in the car than to walk a long distance in extreme ex-treme cold in light clothing. The first signs of frostbite are "pins and needles" prickly feeling, and then numbness. The affected part will turn white or grey and later red. Groups such as the military often use the buddy system outdoors in severe weather. Each buddy watches the others face for signs of frostbite. First aid possibilities are |