London, ON – Continued cold temperatures in the region this week have prompted the Middlesex-London Health Unit to extend the current Cold Weather Alert, which has been in effect since February 25th. Due to the most recent Environment Canada forecast, which calls for daily low temperatures to drop below -15 degrees C, the Alert will remain in effect until the afternoon of Thursday, March 6th.

“The weather we’ve experienced so far in 2014 has provided a chilling reminder of the dangers of winter weather and that we can’t underestimate the negative health effects it can cause,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Even brief stretches of time spent outdoors can cause damage to exposed skin, so we want to remind Middlesex-London residents to dress in layers and wear a warm hat and gloves, even if you’re just going to be outside for a matter of minutes.”

Frostbite can occur to exposed skin in mere minutes during times of extreme cold. Symptoms include the skin turning red, blue or a pale gray/white colour. Individuals may also experience pain, numbness and stiffness, especially in the fingers, toes, ears and nose, which are most susceptible to the cold. If you suspect frostbite, warm the affected area by placing it next to warmer skin or immerse in warm, but not hot, water. Do not rub the affected area, and seek emergency medical treatment for cases of severe, blistering frostbite. The re-warming process may take up to 60 minutes.

Longer exposure to cold can cause hypothermia, which occurs when body temperature drops below normal. Symptoms may include pale skin, lethargy, confusion and hallucinations. Individuals may shiver a lot in the early stages of hypothermia, but shivering may decrease as their core body temperature continues to drop. In severe cases of hypothermia individuals lose consciousness, their breathing becomes shallow and their pulse becomes irregular and hard to detect. Anyone found with these symptoms requires immediate emergency medical treatment in order to prevent coma or death.

The Health Unit is also advising local agencies that provide shelter and assistance to homeless people to prepare for an increase in demand for their services. Members of the public who would like to help are asked to drop off donations of non-perishable foods, blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing to the following locations:

• Men’s Mission and Rehabilitation Centre, 459 York Street
• The Salvation Army Centre of Hope, 281 Wellington Street
• Unity Project, 717 Dundas Street

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Iqbal Kalsi, Environmental Health Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit