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Babies and Older Adults Have an Increased Risk of Cold Injury

Overview

Babies

Babies, especially newborns, are more likely to suffer injury from cold temperature exposure.

  • They have a large body surface area compared with their weight. Their body heat is lost more rapidly when exposed to cold weather conditions.
  • Their ability to regulate body temperatures is not well-developed. They are not able to shiver (which warms a person up).
  • They don't have much fat under their skin (which keeps them warm).

Older adults

Older adults are more likely to have a cold injury, especially hypothermia, because:

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

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