Tips to keep your children warm

HOUSTON

When you get the kids ready for school in the morning, here are things you need to consider:

• Wrap them in one more layer of clothing than you would wear under the same conditions.
• Use several thin layers, like thermal long johns, turtlenecks and sweaters under their coat. That keeps them warm-and dry.
• A hat or cap is critical because kids lose almost half their body heat, through their head.
• Gloves are a must because exposed fingers -- along with ears, the nose, and toes -- are the first to get frostbite if there is prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures.
• Frostbite is rare here. But can you recognize it? It's a patch of skin that's unusually pale and may hurt, burn, or be numb. If your child complains of numbness, soak the area in warm water -- not hot water -- until it turns pink. A warm washcloth can help with cold patches on the ears or nose.
• If your child has a long wait at a bus stop, take the car and wait with them. Keeping them warm in the car until the bus arrives, might earn you a hug or a kiss goodbye!