Troop 740's Monthly Online Newsletter

	Minimizing the Risk of a Cold Weather Injury Review the signs, symptoms and prevention of two serious winter injuries. Article Taken from "The Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center" found here.
	You don’t have to live in the Arctic region to be at risk for frostbite or its less serious cousin, chilblains. Frostbite. Anyone who is exposed to temperatures below freezing, combined with strong winds, for an extended period of time can get frostbite. What’s more, in conditions with extreme wind chill, frostbite can occur more quickly than most people think. Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Ursula Stanton-Hicks, M.D., describes the first symptoms of frostbite as a "pins and needles" sensation followed by numbness. "Frostbitten skin is hard, waxy, cold and has no feeling," she says. After it has thawed, frostbitten skin appears red and may burn. In cases of severe frostbite, the skin may blister, ulcerate and turn gangrenous, possibly necessitating amputation of the affected body part.
	Prevention. If you anticipate being in the cold outdoors for a prolonged period of time, dress appropriately. Wearing mittens (rather than gloves) and a hat that covers your ears helps keep heat contained. Also, dress in layers, using cotton next to your skin and wool on the outer layers. Properly fitted clothing that is windproof, water-resistant or waterproof will offer the best protection. People who have atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and Raynaud’s disease, as well as those who are taking beta-blockers, which decrease the flow of blood to the skin, are particularly susceptible to frostbite. Treatment. Even for a mild case of frostbite, you are urged to seek medical attention. Immediate treatment includes warming the area with wet heat (warm water at temperatures between 104 and 108) and keeping the affected area elevated above the heart. "You can reduce the risk of serious tissue damage if you can avoid warming an affected area and then returning it to cold again to freeze. For example, rather than stopping at a temporary shelter to warm a frostbitten hand, it’s better to continue on until you reach your destination," advises Dr. Stanton-Hicks.
Do you have a good pair of waterproof boots?		Chilblains. Unlike frostbite, chilblains occurs when weather is damp and the temperature is just above freezing. Dr. Stanton-Hicks describes chilblains as red swellings on the skin, which can sometimes blister and ulcerate. Generally, symptoms appear 12 to 24 hours after exposure, and the affected areas may burn and itch upon warming. Barring an infection, chilblains usually heals within three weeks. Similar to frostbite, chilblains develops on the toes, heels, legs, fingers, face and earlobes. Prevention. To prevent chilblains, follow the guidelines for preventing frostbite. Of particular importance is wearing properly fitted clothing and keeping as dry as possible, especially the feet.
	Waterproof boots and insulated linings that become wet can contribute to chilblains. In addition to children, people with poor circulation, anemia or a genetic disposition to chilblains are at higher risk. Treatment. As with frostbite, you should seek medical attention if you get chilblains. Immediate treatment includes warming the area, but avoid applying extreme heat or cold directly to chilblains. _________________________________________________________________________________________
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	Hello, My name is Eric Bilz and I have been a member of Troop 740 for nine years. As some of you may already know, I am also the Senior Patrol Leader of our Troop. I hope to expand Troop 740 with new ideas while also embracing the old ones that got this troop where it is today. If anyone wishes to contact me with new ideas or any concerns they might have, my email address is SPL@troop740.org. I look forward to a good time with all of you. Yours in Scouting, Eric Bilz
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	_________________________________________________________________________________________ Bulletin Board: Did you miss our "Giant Picture Update" last year? Click Here to View Troop's Picture Galleries _________________________________________________________________________________________ Upcoming Events: Check the Schedule on the Home Page for the most recently updated list of events and meetings. Crier Delivery: Saturday, January 12, 2008 @ 9:15am Front Parking Lot/ IHM Committee Meeting: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 @ 7:30pm BCoPD Hillendale Substation (Loch Raven Blvd. & Taylor Ave.) Scout Meeting: Thursday, January 17, 2008 @ 7:30pm Troop Meeting Room/ IHM Cabin Camping at Horseshoe Scout Reservation (McIlvaine Lodge) Friday, Saturday, Sunday, January 25-27, 2008 @ Departure Time TBA Meet at the Troop Shed/ Back Lot/ IHM Scout Meeting: Thursday, January 31, 2008 @ 7:30pm Troop Meeting Room/ IHM _________________________________________________________________________________________
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