COLD EMERGENCIES

WHEN YOU HEAR of someone freezing to death or dying of exposure, the killer was probably hypothermia-from hypo, meaning "low," and thermia, meaning "heat." It occurs when the body is losing more heal than it can generate. Flesh exposed to low temperatures or cold wind can freeze. Far from the body's core heat, toes and fingers are especially vulnerable, as are the nose, ears, and cheeks. Avoid cold emergencies by wearing enough clothing to stay warm and dry, and don't forget yout hat. Eat plenty of food for energy and drink lots of fluids. If bad weather catches you in the backcountry, put up your tent and crawl into your sleeping bag.