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 you can't move, if you fall into near-freezing water, or if your clothing gets wet.
Every winter, some elderly people 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. These cases often 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.