To stay well during the winter, it's essential to keep warm, according to Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, who reminds residents that dropping temperatures can affect even the healthiest of bodies. To keep yourself and your family safe, he offered some preventative measures to safeguard against the bitter cold weather.

"When you're outside in cold weather, wear several layers of loose, bulky clothing, covered by a tightly woven, water-resistant outer layer to provide yourself the best possible insulation," Venditto said. "In extremely cold weather, protect your extremities with gloves, scarves and extra socks. And, since the greatest loss of body heat is through your head, always wear a hat. If you get wet, change out of wet clothing as soon as possible to prevent your body temperature from dropping. Also, perspiration increases heat loss, so always remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm."

Venditto went on to say that not dressing appropriately in the cold weather leaves a person vulnerable to serious health-related ailments, with infants and the elderly being especially at risk. Two of the most common ailments are hypothermia and frostbite.

"Hypothermia occurs when cold weather causes your body temperature to drop to sub-normal levels," the supervisor explained. "Signs of hypothermia include confusion; sleepiness; slowed, slurred speech; shallow breathing; weak pulse; slow reactions and excess shivering. If you suspect a person has hypothermia and emergency help is not available right away, wrap him or her in a warm blanket, making sure to cover the head and neck.

"Many people think frostbite happens only to mountain climbers or skiers, but if weather conditions are right, it can happen to anyone who is exposed to intense cold for too long. The most commonly affected areas for frostbite are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and feet/toes. Mild frostbite, sometimes called frostnip, affects the outer skin layers and appears as whitening of the skin and possibly numbness. Usually, these symptoms disappear as warming occurs. In instances of severe frostbite, the skin will appear waxy-looking with a white, grayish-yellow or grayish-blue color. The affected parts will have no feeling and blisters may be present. The tissue will feel frozen or 'wooden.' Swelling, itching, burning and deep pain as the area is warmed are also indications of frostbite.

"Frostnip can generally be treated safely at home, but if you suspect frostbite, seek medical attention," the supervisor advised. "In both cases, do not rub the affected area or immerse it in hot water or use a sunlamp, radiator or heating pad to 'thaw' the injured area. Don't smoke, drink alcohol and take any drugs that might inhibit blood flow. Keep the injured area clean, especially if there is blistering. If feet or toes are affected, do not walk on them. Keep the patient warm and immerse the affected areas in warm (104 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit) water. If normal feeling and color do not return soon after home treatment, call your health care provider."

Venditto offered some general tips that everyone can follow during the winter season. "Eating well-balanced meals and drinking warm, sweet beverages such as cocoa or sweetened coffee or tea will help maintain body temperature," he said. "If you work outdoors, or are going to be outside for a prolonged period in the cold, eat foods high in fat and sugar. Don't worry about the calories...your body needs extra calories to keep your inner fire stoked. Don't drink alcoholic beverages as they interfere with blood circulation.

"In your home, conserve heat," the supervisor continued. "Avoid the unnecessary opening of doors or windows. Close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and close draperies or cover windows with blankets at night. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Always install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test the detectors monthly, and replace batteries once a year.

"Even when temperatures are cool, not frigid, serious weather-related health problems may occur due to high winds, so, always remember to factor in the wind chill before venturing outside," Venditto commented. "By following these tips, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy all winter weather long."