January 11, 2013
Kaiserslautern American
Page 15
Winter safety — Injuries related to cold
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xposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible. What constitutes extreme cold varies in different parts of the country? In the South, near freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold. Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat. In the North, extreme cold means temperatures well below zero. Wind chill is not the actual temperature but rather how wind and cold feel on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill; however, cars, plants and other objects are not. Frostbite is a damage to body tissue caused
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by extreme cold. A wind chill of -20 degrees Fahrenheit will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm affected areas. However, if the person is also show-
ing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities. Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95 F. It can kill. For those who survive, there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Take the person’s temperature. If below 95 F, seek medical care immediately! If medical care is not available, warm the person slowly, starting with the body core. Warming the arms and legs first drives cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure. If necessary, use your body heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing and wrap in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee or any hot beverage or food. Warm broth is the first food to offer. (Courtesy of National Weather Service)
School Notes (486-8943/8991 or 06371-86-8943/8991). Visit www.kaiserslautern.armymwr.com for more information or to download the schedule.
A solid week of jazz!
Photo by Alan Correa
Weihnachtsmarktlauf Pierce Lambertson (28:13), Josh McDowell (29:21, second U16), Tara Gibbs (33:32, second W35) and Dennis Edwards (31:29, second M60), members of the Ramstein Project, a group of competitive age runners who meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. on the Ramstein High School track, recently competed in the 7.6 km Weihnachtsmarktlauf in Landstuhl. Members not photographed include Everett Plocek (30:09, third U18), Andrew Smith (29:40), Matt McDowell (32:24) and Corrine Tye (32:25).
KMC Teen Shuttle
Child, Youth & School Services have resumed its KMC Teen Shuttle service. Pick-up/drop-off points are located throughout Vogelweh, Vogelweh Housing, Ramstein, Landstuhl and the Melkerei in Landstuhl Village. ID card, shuttle card and permissions slips are required to ride the shuttle. Apply for your Shuttle Card at Central Enrollment & Registration located on Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2898 (call 493-4516/4122 or 0631-34064516/4122) and on Landstuhl Post, Bldg. 3810
• Ramstein High School and the Department of Defense Dependents Schools Honor Jazz Seminar presents the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Jazz Ambassadors with special guests at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the RHS great hall. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to come and support arts in the community. • RHS and the DODDS Honor Jazz Seminar presents the U.S. Army Jazz Combo and special guests at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the school’s great hall. Admission is free. • The DODDS Honor Jazz Seminar Big Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform live at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Stadthalle in Landstuhl (Kaiserstrasse 39, 66849). Admission is free. Doors open at 7.
Music lessons
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Early learners at WES Wetzel Elementary School student Caleb Yoo discusses his self made student data representing the Sure Start class vote on which yearbook cover to use this school year. Principal Angie Cotton rewards early learners who demonstrate such early understanding of data.
SKIESUnlimited music lessons are designed to teach all levels and abilities. Voice, piano, music and violin lessons are being offered for children and youth ages 18 months to 18 years. Children and youth will participate in recitals. For further information, contact Parent Central Services Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2898, at 4934516/4122 or 0631-3406-4516/4122, or the Landstuhl One Stop Shop, Bldg. 3810, at 486-8943 or 06371-86-8943.
Youth after school program
The CYS Services Landstuhl Youth Center offers a free after school program for youth in sixth to 12th grades. The program features food, homework assistance and tutoring, special events, and more. For more information or to register, visit a One Stop Shop or Parent Central Services.
Photo by Gabriele Arseneault
Safety first First grade students in Sandra Bucklin’s class at Landstuhl Elementary/Middle School wear safety vests that were donated by the ADAC. The ADAC donates these vests to help keep first-graders safe during the winter months.