Cold injuries can occur even at a few degrees below freezing

In the burn department of the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Hospital, about two dozen people have been treated since the onset of the current cold season. According to the head of the department, Alexander Pavlenko, a third of these patients required surgical intervention in the form of amputation of fingers and limbs. About 80 percent of those affected by frostbite were intoxicated.

To avoid such serious health problems, dress according to the weather, and avoid prolonged exposure of body parts to low temperatures. There are known cases of frostbite even at a few degrees below zero, but with high air humidity and strong wind, which reduces the thermal insulation properties of even properly selected clothing and footwear. Lack of critical assessment of one's actions in the elderly, overwork, exhaustion, adynamia, and alcohol intoxication are also fraught with frostbite in conditions of prolonged exposure to cold. Therefore, be cautious, take care of yourself in any weather, especially in frosty times.

Vera Murashkina, Vitbichi