KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In-person classes have been canceled due to the snow and frigid cold temperatures across the Kansas City area, so many families have been making use of the snow.
Brookside Park has been filled with sledders the past few days. Luke Finocchario said he loves taking his daughter there.
“We come out here every year since we've been living here," Finocchario said. "It's just fun to go down. It's a neighborhood thing. It's fun on the Fourth of July and it's fun when it's covered in snow."
Keeping the cold temperatures in mind, Finocchario said he's limiting his time outdoors.
"Forty minutes, not much more than that," he said. "You know, then go back inside, maybe come back later in the day.”
One thing doctors keep an eye on during these frigid cold temps is frostbites. Dr. Anand Rajpara said every year doctors treat many people for it.
“Yeah, unfortunately, it is more common in the unhoused population, which has also been increasing, so we see a lot more in people that can't unfortunately get to warmer shelter areas," Rajpara said.
It only takes about 10-15 minutes for frostbite to develop.
So what should you be looking for?
Early symptoms:
- Skin changes: Your skin may begin to become cold and pale, oftentimes a waxy feel.
- Tingling and numbness: Most common areas are fingers, toes, ears, nose.
- Pain: You may begin to feel pain in a certain area, the affected area will feel like a burning sensation.
Tips to help avoid frostbite:
- Layer up: Wearing the proper clothing to cover your hands, feet, face; double or triple layering is suggested.
- Limit your time outdoors.
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Move around to keep blood flowing
“Get a good pair of mittens. Load up on socks," Rajpara said. "And [you] still can enjoy the sledding, just be smart about it."
If you begin to feel any of those symptoms, doctors say to go indoors and warm up. If symptoms don't get better or worsen, then you should seek medical attention immediately.
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KSHB 41 reporter Marlon Martinez covers Platte and Clay counties in Missouri. Share your story idea with Marlon.
