Cold Weather Cold Weather Conditions and Conditions and

AltitudeAltitudeSports Medicine ISports Medicine I

FrostbiteFrostbite Wind and low temps Wind and low temps

can freeze can freeze unprotected skinunprotected skin

Discoloration of skinDiscoloration of skin Keep skin dryKeep skin dry Most common placesMost common places

– FingersFingers– ToesToes– EarsEars– Parts of the faceParts of the face

HypothermiaHypothermia Potentially fatal Potentially fatal

conditioncondition Constant shiveringConstant shivering Apathy with slurred Apathy with slurred

speechspeech UnconsciousnessUnconsciousness Freezing of hands Freezing of hands

and feetand feet

AltitudeAltitude Train at one Train at one

altitude and altitude and compete at compete at another affects another affects performancesperformances

Negative when Negative when training at low training at low altitude and altitude and competing at high competing at high altitudealtitude

Higher altitudes Higher altitudes have less O2 have less O2 concentrationconcentration

Should train at Should train at altitudes for period altitudes for period of time to adaptof time to adapt

LighteningLightening Number two cause Number two cause

of deathof death Indoor facility is Indoor facility is

the safest shelterthe safest shelter Avoid standing Avoid standing

water and metalwater and metal When you see When you see

lightening, it has lightening, it has already struckalready struck