Low temperatures can be deadly after prolonged exposure. Frost bite (freezing of a part of the body) and hypothermia (lowering of the body temperature below 98.6F) are the most common medical problems people face at very low temperatures.

Visitors to cold climates should take special care to avoid consuming alcohol and nicotine. Alcohol doesn't warm you up; it's a depressant and it actually lowers your metabolism and therefore your core body temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Nicotine constricts the capillaries, which decreases the flow of blood to the extremities and therefore increases the risk of frostbite.

Wear natural-fiber clothing as much as possible. Wool is a wonderful insulator, and unlike synthetic fibers will keep you warm even when it's wet. Alpaca is three times warmer than wool, which can be helpful if you're trying to avoid bulky clothing. Natural fibers generally will breathe better than synthetics, which will keep you more comfortable.

FrostbiteComplaints of cold pain that suddenly stops and white, hard skin are some of the symptoms of frostbite.

Never roughly handle an area that appears to be frostbitten. The tissues are very delicate and may be permanently damaged if not treated with care.

Never thaw a frostbitten area if there is danger of it being frozen again. Special care should be taken to avoid walking on frostbitten feet that have been thawed.Never immerse a frostbitten area into hot water. Always use warm water to increase circulation initially.

HypothermiaSome of the signs of hypothermia are slurred or incoherent speech, a drop in the level of awareness, and violent shivering. The cessation of shivering indicates exhaustion, after which the body temperature will drop even more rapidly. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms appear.

Children and older people are more susceptible to hypothermia. What might seem like bad behavior may be indications of hypothermia. Aside from comments about being cold, hypothermia symptoms may emerge in the form of belligerence, complaints, and behavior that could be misinterpreted as deliberate foot-dragging or stumbling.

Do not immerse someone that is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia into hot water, as it places stress on the heart and can cause cardiac arrest.