Beware of 'cold' health dangers

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Doctors say the longer you try to brave the bitter cold temperatures this week, the greater the health risk.

Frostbite, hypothermia, and chilblains are all health conditions that you’re at risk for this week in the freezing cold. Single digit temperatures mixed with wind chills is a dangerous combination for health problems from the cold.

• Related: Protect Yourself In Freezing Temperatures
• In-Depth: Winter Weather Resources

“"That's when you are going to start seeing a big spike in frostbite related injuries,” said Rhode Island hospital doctor Mark Greve,

Dr. Greve says he hasn’t seen too many frostbite patents yet, but with below freezing temperatures this week, that can soon change.

He warns that there is more than just frostbite to worry about.

"Probably the most dramatic is hypothermia, when you're actual body temperature actually starts decreasing and that can certainly be a tremendous threat to yourself,” said Dr. Greve.

He says that as long as you are dressed properly and stay indoors, hypothermia should not be an issue, but if you must brave the cold you run the risk for something called chilblains, which can affect the tissue in your body.

"It just never really warms up.  And this long term non freezing injury can really be devastating. It can cause permanent neurological injury and permanent pain in your feet,” said Dr. Greve.

Remember to protect places such as your nose, ears, and fingers, because they are places that don’t get enough heat circulation.