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    Alcohol Increases the Risk of Cold Injury

    Alcohol Increases the Risk of Cold Injury



    Topic Overview

    Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of injury from cold exposure. Alcohol:

    • Changes your body's ability to regulate body temperature.
    • Changes your judgment. For example, a person may not put on more clothing when it is needed if his or her judgment is changed by alcohol.
    • Can cause blood vessels in the skin to get bigger (dilate). This increases heat loss.



    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference May 11, 2011
    Medical Review: Reference William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
    Reference H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine


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