What exactly causes hypothermia?
It’s not simply cold temperatures, like you might think. The factors that add up to cause hypothermia are generally temperature (cool to cold), water (from rain, sweat, ice or snow) and wind. “Water can take the heat away from our body 25 times faster than the air,” Mike warns. Add into that being poorly prepared for the elements – usually lack of proper clothing – and the conditions are ripe for hypothermia. An ounce of prevention. It sounds obvious, but we don’t always do it: check the forecast before heading out. As you know, the weather in our region can change in five minutes. Bring several thin layers of clothing – wool, synthetic or rain gear is better than “killer cotton.” Unlayering will help you avoid getting soaked in your own sweat before weather conditions change for the worse. At a minimum, always carry one of those $2 emergency ponchos. Throw in a shower cap and you should be able to prevent hypothermia even if it gets cold and wet outside. These items take up practicall
