Department of Health Urges Pennsylvanians to Prepare For Dangerously Co...( HARRISBURG Pa. Jan. 14 -- A surge of...),Health

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A surge of arctic air forecast to arrive in Pennsylvania on Thursday will bring hazardous wind chills that could lead to serious health problems, the Health Department warned today.

Temperatures across Pennsylvania are expected to range from the single digits to minus 10 tomorrow, with wind chills forecasted to drop to 5 to 30 below zero.

"Taking preventive action can help you reduce the risk of hypothermia, which is a very real threat in extreme cold-weather conditions," said acting Secretary of Health Everette James. "When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy and result in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Hypothermia is particularly dangerous because it slows the functions of many vital organs, including the brain, and you may not realize it is happening."

Stay alert for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, warm the victim up immediately and get medical help as soon as possible.

During periods of extreme cold, the Department of Health recommends that you:

• Make outdoor trips as brief as possible.
• Dress warmly in several layers of loose fitting clothing.
• Cover your mouth and face with a scarf or knit mask to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.
• Keep dry and change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
• Avoid exertion as cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.

Remain in your vehicle if you become stranded. Keep warm by wrapping your entire body in extra clothing, bl
'/>"/>