(Le Mars) — With temperatures dropping to the single digits and below, combined with the winds, weather officials have issued wind chill advisories for Iowa.
But, health officials want people to know that exposure to these types of conditions can also mean frost bite. Lorrie Mortensen is the Director of Nursing for Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars. She says frost bite symptoms can occur fairly quickly.
Mortensen says the first symptoms of frost bite can be a cold, prickly feeling.
The Director of Nursing recommends wearing mittens as opposed to gloves.
She says both the young and the elderly are more susceptible to the frigid cold temperatures, and they are likely to get frost bite before others.
Mortensen’s advice during these cold days is to “keep moving and bundle up.”
Mortensen says when you bundle up for the outdoors, make certain you wear several layers of clothing.
The Floyd Valley Nursing Director says wet clothing will bring on frost bite faster than wearing dry clothing.
