Signs and Symptoms of Cold Weather Injuries

Signs and Symptoms of Cold Weather Injuries
During exercise in the cold, your body usually produces enough heat to
maintain its normal temperature. As you get fatigued, however, you slow
down and your body produces less heat. Hypothermia develops when
the body cannot produce heat as fast as it is losing it.
Hypothermia
Shivering
Loss of Judgment
Slurred Speech
Drowsiness
Muscle Weakness
Frostbite
A white or grayish–yellow skin area
Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
Numbness in body parts exposed to the cold such as the nose, ears,
feet, hands, and skinHydration
Water is the preferred hydration fluid before, during and after physical
training activities in the Pre–BCT program.
• Drink 13 to 20 ounces of cool water at least 30-60 minutes before
beginning exercise (approximately 2 glasses of water).
• After the activity, drink to satisfy thirst, then drink a little more.
• After exercise, avoid alcoholic beverages and soft drinks because
they are not suitable for proper hydration and recovery. Sports
drinks may be consumed, but are not required and contain a
considerable number of additional calories.
• It is also possible to drink too much water. Be sure to limit intake to
NO MORE THAN 1 1/2 quarts per hour (48 oz.) during heavy exertion.
GETTING
STARTED
Nutrition
In addition to exercise, proper nutrition plays a major role in attaining
and maintaining total fitness. Good dietary habits greatly enhance
your ability to perform at your maximum potential. A good diet alone,
however, will not make up for poor health and exercise habits.
Your body needs carbohydrates, protein, some fat, vitamins, minerals,
fiber, and water to be healthy and grow strong. Include foods from each
of the main food groups in your diet to get all the nutrients you need.
Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta
What do you get? Carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a small
amount of protein.
Try to make at least half of your choices whole–grain products, such
as 100 percent whole grain bread, brown rice or wild rice, barley,
or oatmeal.
Vegetables
What do you get? Carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a
small amount of protein.
Eat lots of different ones — at least 3 to 5 servings a day, especially deep
green types and the red, yellow, and orange varieties.
Fruit
What do you get? Carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Eat all varieties — at least 2 a day. Try to have a citrus fruit or juice (for
example orange or grapefruit) plus a blue, red, purple, or orange type
(such as blueberries, strawberries, plums or peaches) every day.
Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese
What do you get? Protein, carbohydrate in milk and yogurt, vitamins, and
minerals (especially calcium).
Select 1 percent or nonfat milk or cottage cheese, nonfat or low–fat
yogurt and part–skim or fat–reduced cheeses.
Meats, Poultry, Fish, Eggs, Nuts, Dry Beans
What do you get? Protein, vitamins and minerals (especially iron and
zinc) plus carbohydrate in beans.
Choose lean meats (ones with the words “round,” “loin,” or “leg” in the
name), skinless chicken or turkey breast, ham, any fish or seafood (if not
fried or in butter), egg whites, and veggie burgers.
Fats, Oils, and Sweets
What do you get? Mostly extra calories.
A little is all right, but it’s easy to get too much. Cut way back on fried,
greasy, oily, creamy, and buttery foods. Limit high–sugar, nutrient poor
foods like candy, desserts, and sugar–sweetened soda pop and fruit
drinks to once in a while and in small amounts.