A Norwegian bioengineer gave advice on how to behave in abnormal frosts

Boots two sizes too big, double gloves and layers of clothing

Not only in the central regions of Russia, but also in many European countries, frosts are now raging – primarily in Scandinavia. Therefore, the VG newspaper asked the chief researcher at the Norwegian Institute for Defense Research (FFI), Hilde Christine Theien, to tell us how to avoid frostbite and endure going out into the cold with minimal losses.

For more than 20 years, bioengineer Hilde Christine Theien has been studying human activity under extreme conditions. Her professional focus is on proper clothing to help avoid injury of any kind in cold weather.

The greatest risk of frostbite occurs at temperatures below minus 20 degrees. When the cold weather sets in, Teien advises following the principle: dress so that the fur is on the inside of the body. Wear good winter boots with woolen socks and preferably a woolen insole. Instead of gloves, you should wear mittens, again made of pure wool. Cover your face if it’s windy.

At the same time, excessive “wrapping up” must be avoided. Make sure you’re not too hot or sweaty, then stop and remove a layer, if you’re comfortable again, then strip some more. In a word, moderation is good in everything.

In a press release from the trade union Norwegian Organization of Engineers and Technology Organizations (NITO), Theijen outlines the most common injuries caused by cold weather.

It is noted that frostbite occurs when the skin temperature drops below minus 0.55 degrees. Localized cold damage occurs when the toes and feet are exposed to moisture and cold temperatures for an extended period of time. Most local injuries due to cold occur at temperatures between 0 and minus 15 degrees. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 35 degrees.

“Such injuries typically occur in severe weather conditions, when risk assessment is inadequate, when poor decisions are made, or when inappropriate or incorrect equipment is used,” explains the researcher. “The health damage from cold weather can cause lifelong problems.”

With temperatures below minus 20 degrees in many countries and regions, the risk of frostbite and hypothermia is greatest. The most affected areas are the fingers, toes and face. Especially if it’s windy outside.

“If you’re starting to feel chills, you should be active,” notes Theyen—important red flags include numbness or pain in your arms or legs. Also keep an eye out for any white spots on your face.”

The expert advises to always check the weather before going outside and use your temperature as a starting point. Dress appropriately for the weather and activity. Try to avoid sweating during physical activity, and therefore it is better to dress lightly in this case, and then put on an additional layer of clothing, but carefully – layer by layer, listening to your own body. It is very important that there is some air between the layers, but on the other hand, it is not so loose that cold air gets in.

Pay special attention to mittens and gloves when working, for example, with metal with bare hands in cold conditions. It is believed that thin woolen gloves should be worn under the mittens. The same applies to answering a phone call or when writing a message in the messenger.

The bioengineer emphasizes that you should wear good quality winter boots with thick soles. Don’t hesitate to buy winter shoes one or two sizes larger than you usually wear to allow room for wool insoles and socks.