Don’t Risk It: Illinois Doctors Share Life-Saving Cold Weather Advice

Listen, when that bitter Illinois cold hits, it hits hard.  The kind of cold that makes you rethink every life decision the second you step outside.  And with central Illinois dealing with dangerously cold, and very low, temps, doctors are reminding residents to take extra precautions this winter.

The National Weather Service said that everyone is technically at risk in extreme cold, but certain groups are especially vulnerable: newborns, senior citizens, outdoor workers, and people experiencing extremely homelessness.  They all have a harder time bouncing back from being sick.

Don’t Risk It: Illinois Doctors Share Life-Saving Cold Weather Advice

A doctor at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Dr. Anthony Lahood, says there's one simple, but effective thing you can do: bundle up and stay inside whenever you can.  Sounds "obvious", but apparently more people don't bundle up properly.

Read More: Types of People Who Should Not Drive During an Illinois Winter 

Especially during the holidays, we're on the go.  We're running errands, in and out of stores, hanging out with friends and family, and shoveling snow.  He recommends we take breaks, actually go inside and warm up, and grab a hot cocoa or coffee to bring your body back to a reasonable temperature!

If you have to be outside, doctors recommend layering like your life depends on it.  Better safe than losing a finger from frostbite!

Think three layers:

• something warm
• something insulated
• something that blocks wind
• wear a hat or earmuffs
• wear clothes
• wear waterproof or durable boots

Read More: Illinois Resident Injured After Reaching Into Running Snowblower

This is the season to LAYER UP!  You'll still look cute, seriously.

If you get frostbite or hypothermia, or think you have them, contact your doctor immediately.  If you or someone you know need a place to go, central Illinois has a list of warming centers to nobody has to sit out in the cold!