The end of winter is a time for joy for those who look forward to marching out the door and braving the world in t-shirts without having to worry about bundling up in multiple layers to walk a few blocks. However, this flirtation with the weather can be dangerously close to a relationship with serious damage.  The temperature still remains low and the wind chill can be deceptively dangerous.  When college students do not respect this weather and brave the outside world without being properly prepared, this can cause serious bodily harm, often ending in frostbite.
Frostbite occurs when skin and other tissues are exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time.  This time frame varies, as the colder the temperature is the quicker the symptoms can begin to appear.  It could happen in a few minutes following very cold temperatures or even above freezing when there is a strong wind chill present.  It is also important to note that this can occur when a person is wet or at a high altitude.   The typical places frostbite can occur is on the hands, feet, nose, cheeks and ears.
Superficial frostbite is another form of this that affects the skin and tissue just below the first few layers of skin, but this kind usually does not permanently damage any tissue.  Deep frostbite, which affects muscles, nerves and blood vessels, may cause tissue death and therefore permanent damage that can be severe.  This can easily be prevented if people choose to wear the proper clothing to protect them from the cold.  Although, this can conflict with the stereotype many younger people believe that they are invincible and can handle anything.
Amy Blanchette, a sophomore at UW-La Crosse, thought that, “People aren’t necessarily aware how cold it really is; simply wearing a hat and gloves can make a world of difference.”  While dressing to stay warm for class is important, the weekends should also be kept in mind when braving the outdoors.  The weekends offer times of joy and excitement for many, whether it is downtown or abroad, but the idea of dressing to impress can undermine a person’s safety.
The stigma exists that wearing a coat or other protective gear could mar a person’s appearance.  Looking nice may be a staple, but wearing the proper attire while outside can mean the difference between frozen drinks and frozen ears.  As Blanchette so elegantly put it, “Staying warm is cool.”
Though last year’s legendary blizzard that never was may have recently passed in its first anniversary, the dangers that this kind of weather can have is always prevalent.  Knowing what a person wants to wear versus knowing what a person should wear will always be an uphill battle.
It is important nonetheless to stay informed, stay warm and stay safe.  A hat and gloves can mean a world of difference between taking notes in class and a trip to the doctor.