What Do Bitter Cold Temps Do To Your Body?

As Minnesotans, we're a hearty lot. We're not deterred by snow, ice, cold, and wind. I like bundling up and going for a run in cold weather, wearing a face mask; being careful to have  little or no skin exposed. Experts caution that these bitter cold temperatures need to be taken seriously.

Extreme cold makes you slow and dumb!

Our bodies are built to keep our vital organs safe first. When we're in the extreme cold, blood moves from our arms, legs, fingers, and toes -- to our heart, lungs, and other important systems. Less blood in our extremities means they function more slowly. Our metabolism also starts to slow making us bad at thinking and decision making. (Maybe you should think twice before proposing marriage at the St. Paul Winter Carnival.)

We often think that alcohol warms us up, but while we my FEEL that way -- the truth is that it adds to the slowing of our functioning in the cold.

• Avoid being outside for long periods.
• Cover your skin. Exposure to the wind can quickly lead to frostbite.
• Pain, numbness, and pale skin can be signs of frostbite. Get inside!
• Two heads are better than one. Being with another person increases you cold weather safety.

Celebrate winter. Have fun. Be safe. (And maybe I'll hit the treadmill this week.)