To prevent frostbite, wear layered clothing to protect skin from exposure to cold air or extremely cold wind. If you suspect you or someone you're with has frostbite, seek medical assistance immediately.
For extreme frostbite, you should allow at least two months before considering amputation of the affected area. The human body has an amazing ability to heal itself, and it can take two months or longer to see if a frostbitten area will recover. (Source: Audrey Kunin, M.D. - www.dermadoctor.com)
A few other things to think about this season are the flu and dehydration. Influenza can be a serious health risk for the elderly or chronically ill, so it is recommended that anyone over 65 years of age get a flu shot annually. To find out more about flu shots, call your local senior center.
Dehydration is more of a risk in the winter because heating systems make indoor climates dry. Dehydration can cause mental confusion or make a person feel 'stressed-out'. It is imperative that we all get enough fluids, especially in the winter. We should all strive to drink enough water and clear liquids year-round. In wintertime, soups can be doubly beneficial by providing the fluids we need to keep hydrated, as well as the heat we need to protect against hypothermia. Vegetable soups have the added benefit of providing essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, canned fruits, such as peaches, pineapples, or mandarin oranges, contain Vitamin A, 
which helps protect the body from infection. (Source: http://www.
mdoa.state.md.us)
