Winter Safety

True or False - Wet hair can cause a cold?

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

False - Colds are actually caused by a virus. Cold germs are spread through contact and through the air when someone coughs or sneezes

True or False: From a health standpoint, windchill doesn't really matter; only the actual temperature does.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

False - As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. A severe windchill can cause conditions like hypothermia and frostbite to occur faster

Which of the following does not contribute to frostbite?

• Extreme cold

• Dry clothes

• High winds

• Poor circulation

Answer explanation

The clothing you wear in cold temperatures matters. It should protect exposed areas like your face, ears and hands. In cold weather, wear windproof, water-resistant, layered clothing. Put on heavy socks and a hat or scarf that covers the ears. And choose mittens, not gloves, to protect your hands and fingers

Which travels quicker, the particles expelled in your last sneeze, or a typical cricket bowlers fast delivery?

• A sneeze

• Cricket bowler

Answer explanation

A: Sneeze. Fast bowler can bowl cricket balls at speeds of approx. 136 to 150 km/h mph whereas a sneeze can explode at 252 km/hr.

True or False: Cold weather increases the risk of heart attacks.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

Cold temperatures can narrow arteries and raise blood pressure, both of which reduce the oxygen supply to the heart. The heart has to work harder pumping blood.

What kind of poisoning is caused by fireplaces, heaters and portable generators and occurs mostly during winter months?

• Carbon dioxide

• Oxygen

• Carbon monoxide

• Nitrous oxide

Answer explanation

Carbon monoxide poisoning from nonautomotive sources kills approx. 16 people and sends approx. 268 to the hospital every year in the Australia.

Which of the following is a symptom of Carbon monoxide poisoning?

• Mental confusion

• Loss of muscle control

• Vomiting

Answer explanation

CO is odorless, colorless and otherwise undetectable by our senses. You may not know that they are being exposed. If you experience symptoms, get fresh air immediately and call 000.

True or False: Teeth chattering is one way your body warms itself up.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

True - The hypothalamus in the brain helps keep our internal thermostat set at 37 degrees. It sends out signals to warm up when your core temperature begins to drop. Shivering and chattering are two ways it warms up your body.

True or False: It's okay to use cruise control in wintery driving conditions.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

Cruise control can cause wheel spin and loss of control on slick roads.

True or False: It's just as easy to get sunburned in winter as it is in summer.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

Always wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun. In the winter, glare from the snow can actually magnify the sun's ability to scorch your skin.