Hypothermia is what happens if your body gets too cold and can't warm up. People get hypothermia when they are outside in cold weather or water without the proper clothing. You can also get hypothermia if you get wet and don't have a place to warm up.

Signs of Hypothermia

1. You start shivering (that means that your body is trying to warm itself up).

2. Your heart rate gets faster and your breathing is much faster than usual.

3. Your hands and feet turn white and cold (your body takes blood away from your finger and toes and uses it to keep the heart and other organs warmer).

4. You start to act confused.

5. Your lips or skin start to turn a blue color (that means that the hypothermia is getting worse).

6. Some people with hypothermia feel hot and start taking off their coats. (Don't let them do this!)

How to Treat Hypothermia

The most important thing to do is to try and get them to a hospital. At the hospital they will try to bring the person's body temperature back to normal.

Stages of Hypothermia

Your body goes through these different stages as your temperature drops:

98-95 degrees You start to shiver and your skin is numb.

95-93 degrees You start to move slowly and feel week and confused.

93-90 degrees You fall over when you try to walk around, and have trouble using your hands.

90-86 degrees You can't walk or stand and start talking in a confused way. You don't make any sense.

86-82 degrees The pupils in your eyes get really big.

82-78 degrees and below Your heart stops.