GRAND TRAVERSE CO. — The cold weather keeps a lot of people inside, but there are plenty of people who are willing to brave frigid temps.
Many areas in northern Michigan experienced sub-zero wind chills. So a lot of people bundled up as they headed outdoors.
A thermal imaging camera revealed where heat was escaping through the layers of clothing.
“I’m wearing sweat pants and a winter jacket,” said Joey Rivera. “I should be wearing gloves and a hat, but I’m crazy.”
The doctor said Rivera was right: he should be wearing more layers.
“Don’t go out there without a jacket, gloves, coat,” said Todd Myers, physician at Munson urgent Care. “Even if you’re just running quickly up to the store, take that stuff with you.”
When it comes to heading outside it is all about covering up. Heat escaping your body can leave you in a dangerous situation.
The Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department’s thermal imaging camera showed where heat escapes from our bodies.
“You’re going to lose it in the head; keep your head covered. You’re going to lose it through the air you breathe. If you have any sort of respiratory trouble, COPD, asthma, heart disease, wear a scarf,” said Myers.
Winter jackets do a good job of trapping in the heat, but thin materials of leggings don’t help much against the bitter cold.
“I definitely wear an extra later of leggings and definitely something on my face,” said Katie Moses of Traverse City.
Myers said heat is also lost around loose cuffs and open neck lines. He recommends staying zipped up and tucked in.
Doctor Myers encouraged kids to go outside and play, enjoying the snow days, but cautioned parents to be watchful.
“You’ll want to limit the time that they’re outside. You may have to call them in after half an hour or 45 minutes. Bring them in and warm them up.”
Monitor for signs of frostbite, specifically on exposed skin. When you’re cold, skin will turn red, then white.
“Really pay attention to their hands, cheeks, ears, nose, any of the exposed areas,” said Myers. “If it starts turning into a waxy pale color, that’s an indication of the onset of frostbite.”
Rivera, who is originally from Florida, said he didn’t think this kind of weather was what he signed up for when he moved to northern Michigan.
“It’s 85 degrees, so I sort of wish I was there now. Even though I love it up here, but I sorta wish I was there because of this weather,” said Rivera.
When the temperature drops, Urgent Care facilities see patients coming in who have fallen on the ice.
Myers said extra care is necessary when exiting vehicles or while shoveling.
Severe wind chills can give a person frostbite to exposed skin in as little as five minutes.
“The higher the wind, the quicker the frostbite,” said Myers. “If you dress appropriately, have the right gear for it, you’re perfectly safe. You have to use some common sense.”