© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Prevent frostbite, but don't be afraid of winter

Avery Schneider
/
WBFO News

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.

Avery began his broadcasting career as a disc jockey for WRUB, the University at Buffalo’s student-run radio station.
Related Content