Shiver Me Timbers!

Hypothermia (from Greek ὑποθερμία) is a condition in which an organism's temperature drops below that required for normal metabolism and body functions. In warm-blooded animals, core body temperature is maintained near a constant level through biologic homeostasis or thermoregulation. However, when the body is exposed to cold, its internal mechanisms may be unable to replenish the heat that is being lost to the organism's surroundings.  (taken from Wikipedia)

What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms include:

Shivering - CHECK
Cold, pale, or blue-gray skin - CHECK (well, not really blue-gray yet..)
Lack of interest or concern (apathy) - DEFINITE CHECK
Poor judgment - CHECK (I'm pretty sure this is a check)
Mild unsteadiness in balance or walking - Shaking so hard I can't tell???
Slurred speech - NO (i just spoke to myself since MK is on vacay.  all seems to be well)
Numb hands and fingers and difficulty performing tasks - CHECK (having trouble typing..brrr...)

Late symptoms include:

The trunk of the body is cold to the touch - CHECK
Muscles become stiff - CHECK
Slow pulse - ??? (i don't remember what my pulse should be!)
Breathing that is shallow and slower - NO
Weakness or sleepiness - CHECK
Confusion - I'm going with a CHECK
Loss of consciousness - Not yet!
Shivering, which may stop if body temperature drops below 90F - CHECK


Oh gosh.  Oh gosh.  I think I've already got the late symptoms of hypothermia.  Seriously.  I am so cold in my office right now I can barely type.  My teeth are chattering and my fingers are numb.  Surely this can't be good.  I wonder if I am allowed to go home?  Hmmm....I think I had better ask someone before "Loss of consciousness" sets in.  That would not be good.  No.  Not good at all!

Brrrrrrrr,
T