As temperatures hit their coldest so far, this season, WBFO’s Avery Schneider went to the Buffalo General Medical Center to find out what residents need to know about beating one of the more dangerous ailments brought on by the frigid weather.
It’s Buffalo and it’s winter. But despite these facts, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Colin McMahon said you shouldn’t be afraid to go outside and have fun.
“You have two choices – stay inside and hide, or get out and enjoy it. So my suggestion is get out and enjoy it. Just dress appropriately for the conditions,” said McMahon.
Frostbite is most common in areas of limited blood flow, like fingers and toes, and the nose and ears. McMahon says it’s important to watch for the first sign – when the skin turns red, then white. He said the best thing to do is cover the affected area, and gently warm it without any brisk rubbing. And while he recommends getting out and enjoying winter activities, even those that increase the blood flow are not protection enough.
“If you’ve got a substantial wind chill, nothing’s going to protect you other than an actual barrier like a scarf, hat, that kind of stuff,” McMahon said.
So bundle up this week, because baby, it’s cold outside.