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Hypothermia
A small mention of the cold to make the southern hemispherians
(also known as "the lucky penguins") happy about their summer.
Years ago, when watching one of those Titanic related films or documentaries, I wondered why they couldn't survive in the water until the help came. That's when I learned what a wild thing hypothermia is, and also concluded that humans were not very cool creatures, (without "(wo)man made" aid) we are comfortable only somewhere between 20-30 degrees celcius? Some bugs can survive many many more times cold and hot than we can.
Of course, you knew that already.
Let's copy 'n paste some hypothermia information from Wikipedia:
"There are three types of hypothermia, acute, subacute, and chronic.
- Acute hypothermia is the most dangerous; the body temperature drops very swiftly, often in a matter of seconds or minutes, such as when a victim falls through an ice-covered lake. [Note by tikkyfare: not everyone falls!]
- Subacute hypothermia occurs on a scale of hours, most commonly by remaining in a cold environment for an extended period of time.
- Chronic hypothermia is typically caused by an underlying disease."
A cold detail.
Photo: Finland, couple of days ago.
Even though the "extreme cold" around here is kind of behind now, it may be useful to those Mediterranean folks (e.g. Istanbul & Athens are really cold these days I hear) -- and to do what we do best, which is to state the obvious, here's some day to day, folk-wisdom'ish "how to dress when it is cold" list:
"- Layer clothing to keep warm air next to your skin.
- Loose fitting clothes are best for moving around outside.
- Winter boots should be large enough to wear a couple pair of socks.
- Wool is a wonderful fabric for staying warm and dry.
- Clothing made of cotton fabric is not good to wear when it is cold.
- Keep your hands warm. Mittens protect hands better than gloves.
- Cover you head with a hat and hood. Most body heat is lost through the head.
- Try to keep your clothing dry. Wet clothes do not retain heat.
- An outer jacket or coat should be made of a wind resistant material.
- Wear a scarf to protect you neck."
I also want to give you a link to a word that sounds far too cute for its function, frostbite. Well it's kind of relevant too.
ps. I am (kinda) away for about two more weeks. Feel free to explore the archives. (I told you I am good at stating the obvious).
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