BRRRRRRRRRR!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 2002

CONTACT:
Jeannine Mjoseth
301-496-1752

Your winter to-do list might include putting up storm windows and stacking firewood. Seasoned veterans will want to add another item: phoning 1-800-222-2225 to order the National Institute on Aging's (NIA) free AgePage on avoiding hypothermia, a potentially serious condition in which body temperature drops and stays low.

The AgePage outlines how to recognize and respond to signs of hypothermia (hi-po-ther-mee-uh), a particular problem for older people. If you suspect someone may have hypothermia, look for the “umbles”—stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles —these show that the cold is affecting how well a person's muscles and nerves work, according to the AgePage. Hypothermia is a particular problem for older people who lack proper nutrition, take certain medications, drink alcohol and who have conditions such as arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, stroke and Parkinson's disease. The brochure also specifies the correct response to hypothermia:

Take the person's temperature with a thermometer that has been shaken to its lowest point.

If the temperature doesn't rise above 96° F, call 911 for emergency help.

While you are waiting for help to arrive, keep the person warm and dry.

Move him or her to a warmer place, if possible.

Wrap the person in blankets, towels, coats—whatever is handy. Even your own body warmth will help. You may be tempted to rub the person's arms and legs but be gentle. The skin of an older person may be thin and easily damaged. Keeping the house warm in winter can be too costly for some people. If you have a limited income, call 1-866-674-6327 , the new National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). NEAR operators will give callers the number of their state LIHEAP office and local agency referrals for help paying their heating bills. LIHEAP provides federal funds to help low-income households meet their home heating needs.

The NIA, part of the National Institutes of Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services, leads the federal effort supporting and conducting research on aging and the special medical, social and behavioral needs of older people. For a list of free brochures, call the NIA Information Center at 1-800-222-2225 or visit the NIA Web site at www.nia.nih.gov .