Causes
Hypothermia can occur in a number of situations, most often where extremely
cold weather is a factor. You're at risk if you're not adequately dressed
for the cold, if you're outside longer than you'd planned or can't move, if
you fall into near-freezing water, or if your clothing gets wet.
Every winter, some seniors die from hypothermia in their own
homes because they can't pay for adequate heating or their heating systems break
down and they can't get repairs done.
Hypothermia can also happen in the summer. Many lakes never get very
warm and swimmers who stay in cold water for too long can become hypothermic.
Often cases involve fishermen who have fallen into the water.
Frostbite is caused when body parts, usually fingers, toes, noses, and ears,
are frozen. Extreme cold, a wind-chill factor, altitude, and lack of proper protective
clothing all contribute to quicker freezing of the skin. People taking beta-blocker
medications, such as propranolol and metoprolol*, may also have a higher risk
of frostbite.