Anyone planning a lifestyle change which might involve being outside a lot in severe winter weather should know the symptoms of hypothermia. This is where your body temperature gets perilously low. One symptom is a sudden attack of the dropsies. If you realize you may have it, run don't walk to the nearest shelter.

-- Peter Errington (petere@ricochet.net), September 15, 1999

Answers

A very pertinent point, Peter. One might easily miss the connection between a bit of clumsiness and hypothermia.

A personal note on dressing for cold weather: I have found bib overalls to be a wonderful addition to my wardrobe. They prevent that cold blast of air up your back when you bend over to work outside. Unlike coveralls, they allow much more freedom of movement. And I can't say enough for the benefits of wool. (IMHO)

gene

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), September 15, 1999.

As a former ski patrolman, I second the idea of bib overalls for those lucky enough to be in snow country...or in my case, bib powder pants. They were indeed warm.

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), September 15, 1999.