Cold Weather Can Bring On Health Problems

DENVER (CBS4) - The bitter cold may have people feeling a little under the weather. Doctors say cold temperatures can cause health problems and people need to take precautions.

Slick highways, snowy sidewalks -- they can be a major pain in the winter months. But it's drastic weather changes that can cause a real headache.

"Sharp headaches predominately, sensitivity to light," a man told CBS4's Kathy Walsh.

Doctors say that's not unusual.

"There is a theory that barometric pressure affects headaches," Dr. Christine Darr with Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center said.

Darr says if a storm is brewing grab recommended medications.

"Take those before the headache starts," she said.

Headaches or not, it's still smart to plan ahead.

In the deep freeze frostbite becomes a huge risk.

"I think the homeless especially are at risk for that," Darr said.

And there's life-threatening hypothermia -- think "umbles."

"If folks are mumbling, stumbling, grumbling, or fumbling, those are signs of hypothermia," Darr said.

The dangerous cold has stalled in Colorado.

With the cold trapping people indoors, remember there are ways to keep germs from spreading. If somebody's got a cold, drop all tissues in a lined trash can, clean frequently touched items, wash hands often, and gloves are the best protection for cleaning up any other mess.