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| Sun Trainer- Jeremy Norman |
What is Frostbite?
Frostbite is a cold induced condition in which skin and its underlying tissue becomes frozen. This happens due to a variety of factors (many of which you can prevent) and to varying degrees.
How does it happen?
In cold temperatures, the body will naturally slow its peripheral circulation and route most of the blood flow to the central organs in an effort to keep core temperature from being altered. Due to the decrease in circulation to the extremities coupled with cold temperature, wind chill, etc. tissues such as the hands, feet, ears and nose often become affected.
Risk Factors that increase the rate of developing Frostbite.
Varying degrees of Frostbite
Frostbite can appear in three gradually increasing degrees of insult from the most mild case of frostnip (1st degree) to superficial frostbite (2nd degree) and progressing up to the most severe deep frostbite (3rd degree). Each condition is categorized as freezing of skin tissue often resulting in a white and/or waxy discolorations, numbness, and a cold, hard feeling to the tissue. As the condition becomes more severe tissues become more swollen range of motion decreases and blisters form.
Treatment Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
Don’t:
Seek Medical Care if:
Best ways to prevent Frostbite…
We hope this information is helpful and keeps you and your family healthy and safe regardless of whether you are working or playing outside!
Until next time…Happy New Year!
Jeremy
Jeremy Norman is in his second season as the Head Athletic Trainer of the Connecticut Sun, coming from Procare Physical Therapy, where he worked as a staff athletic trainer while also serving as the Head Athletic Trainer at Mitchell College. Norman’s duties included providing evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation, designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs and establishing nutritional guidelines for all of the athletes under his supervision.
A certified Health and Fitness instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine, Norman served as a volunteer assistant athletic trainer for the Connecticut Sun during the 2004 season, helping the Head Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning coach with treatment, rehabilitation and conditioning programs.
From 2001 to 2004, Norman worked as a Head Athletic Trainer at East Lyme and Stonington high schools. He provided injury prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation techniques to all high school athletes while also creating and conducting preventative treatment methods.
Norman was an Employee Services Shift Manager at Mohegan Sun from 1999 to 2003, managing the employee fitness center. He created and implemented fitness programs for employees while providing fitness and CPR training to the fitness center staff.
A 1988 Ledyard High School graduate, Norman completed a degree in sports medicine from Keene State College, graduating cum laude in 1992.
