Staff Writer
The weather reporters have their snowflake graphics ready for winter to begin. Heavy snowfall brings a host of new sporting options so popular in northern Maine. However, temperatures also drop with the precipitation meaning outside activity requires extra precautions for a safe and enjoyable season. Frostbite and hypothermia remain the biggest threat to skiers, snowshoers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Education, common sense and experience, according to Mark Shea, director of community development for Maine Winter Sports, aid in prevention. “A lot of our coaches have spent a lot of time outdoors so they know when it’s safe to go out and when it’s not … wind chill plays a big factor in deciding.”
Wind chill calculates air temperature with wind speed to decipher the actual feeling on the skin. In Shea’s experience younger children should remain indoors in temperatures, air or wind chill, of zero degrees or lower. Adults should judge by their body’s reaction. “Skiing is a very active sport. Your core temperature doesn’t get quite as low so older skiers can get out in very cold temperatures,” said Shea. “In my experience, sometimes you get to the point when it’s not comfortable usually with a strong wind.” The body is telling the person it’s too cold.
Skiing in wooded areas can decrease the effects of the wind; however usually minus 15 or minus 20 readings should mean shorter exercises or remaining indoors altogether. “Because skiing is a very aerobic activity, maybe you can’t go out for that hour but 15 minutes. Reduce the time the skin is exposed to the weather.”
To stay warm athletes should dress for the weather. Shea recommends at least three layers—none made from cotton. Cotton dries slowly when wet, which can lead to an increased chance of hypothermia. Skiers should purchase clothing made from polypropylene or other synthetic materials that dry quickly and wick moisture away from the skin.
Many gloves also contain a wind stopping fabric to help protect the most vulnerable extremity. “You should balance the type of activity and the amount of clothes you wear. You need to be able to move and you don’t want to over heat,” noted Shea.
He also recommended wearing sunscreen and some kind of lip care product due to reduced humidity in the winter months. Anyone gearing up to work a sweat outside should learn the signs of frostbite.
Many people who spend prolonged periods of time outside in freezing temperatures have experienced what Shea calls frost nip on the face or hands. “The fingers would be almost numb to the touch and painful when you come inside.” This is a warning signal.
The Center for Disease Control defines frostbite as “an injury caused by freezing.” The condition tends to affect the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes and can be identified by numbness, skin that feels firm or waxy and has a whitish or grayish tint.
If a person believes they may have frostbite the CDC recommends seeking medical attention immediately. If this is not possible the affected person should go indoors and immerse the affected skin in warm water. The area can also be warmed with body heat, such as the armpits. Never rub or massage snow onto a frostbitten area. Reheating with a heat source can cause burning because the skin is numb.
Hypothermia, or an abnormally low body temperature, can also affect participants in outdoor winter activities. The CDC lists shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, memory loss and drowsiness as symptoms of hypothermia. A body temperature below 95 degrees requires emergency attention. Victims need to be warmed and dried as quickly as possible. Warm with an electric blanket or skin-to-skin contact under dry blankets beginning with the core areas. Wind chill increases chances of hypothermia.
As downhill skiing increases wind chill, participants should remain vigilant to temperatures and shivering. Ski facilities will sometimes shut down due to the barometer readings.
Shea also noted the importance of rehydrating after winter activities. While many prefer the traditional hot chocolate or coffee, these beverages do not provide the same benefits as water. He recommends drinking hot beverages slowly, to reacclimatize the body.
Snowmobilers also need to take extra precautions in the Aroostook winter. “It’s basically like driving a car with no sides in the middle of winter,” said Kathy Mazzuchelli, superintendent of Caribou Parks and Recreation. The wind chill factor increases dramatically.
Mazzuchelli encourages riders to gear up well. Technological advances in wind-blocking fabric means that people can enjoy the trails in even lower temperatures. Helmets, snowsuits, gloves and boots are essential equipment for everyone.
