Even though it’s been a warm winter in Minnesota guys are still perched in their ice houses on the lake.
With weather like this its easy to forget about taking precautions against the cold while on the lake. Frostbite and hypothermia reports from people who go ice fishing are far too common. Understanding how to protect yourself in the cold weather can help protect your life.
Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold weather or falling into cold water. Hypothermia strikes the body if it falls below 95 degrees. Many times the person with hypothermia does not recognize their symptoms because they begin slowly and creep up on you. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, clumsiness, slurred speech, stumbling, confusion, difficulty thinking, and drowsiness, loss of consciousness, weak pulse and slow, shallow breathing.
Frostbite occurs when you expose your skin to freezing temperatures. The extremities of your body are particularly sensitive to frostbite are the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers and toes. People who drink beer or alcohol while ice fishing are at the greatest risk for frostbite because the alcohol numbs the effects of cold weather damage.
To protect yourself remember to dress properly in layers of clothing to trap heat in while you are outside. Protect your legs with insulated pants and your feet with thick wool socks and thick boots. Wear lined gloves or mittens with a thick hat that covers your ears. Use a scarf to cover your neck and cheeks and don’t forget the chapstick for your lips. Stay safe by dressing properly to pro
