As Minti's self-proclaimed most northern member, I think it's my place to share a few tips about preventing frostbite!

It can seriously happen in a matter of seconds. I know this because I am currently typing with a very painful fingertip! Took off my gloves just to switch the

carseat from the car to the truck, and just by touching the metal for a couple seconds, my fingertip froze. Ouchy!!

What is frostbite?

Frost bite is when part of your body freezes. It can cause major tissue damage, possibly leading to amputation to stop gangrene. Your nose, cheeks, fingers, ears and toes are the most likely places for you to get frostbite.

What does frostbite look and feel like?

Fostbitten skin starts out very red, then quickly turns to a waxy white colour. In severe cases, the skin will be a waxy blue. Frost bite usually doesn't hurt at all, that comes when it's time to thaw out and can be very painful. Sometimes after thawing, blisters will appear, or the the skin will slough off when touched. Never rub frostbitten skin, or pop the blisters, as breaking the skin can open you up to infection.

How to keep your children safe from frostbite

• Children should be dressed warmly, in layers with clothes that fit snug enough to not let in the wind. Change into dry clothing as soon as they get wet.
• Avoid taking infants outdoors when its colder that 4C (40F) if at all possible. Wee ones lose body heat incredibly fast!
• Do not forget about the windchill factor and take warm up breaks accordingly.
• Cover as much skin as you can with scarves, hats and mittens! Mittens are better than gloves, because they keep the child's fingers together and their little hands stay warmer.
• Where I am, it is mandated that daycares cannot take children outside if it is below -30C (-22F) with or without the windchill.

What to do if you think you have frost bite

• Get out of the cold.
• Warm your hands by tucking them under your arms. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands.
• Don't rub the affected area.
• Never ever rub snow on frostbitten skin.
• Use warm (not hot) water or clothes to help thaw out.

Note for grownups

If you smoke, less blood flows to your extremities, therefore making it easier for frostbite to take hold. If you're drunk (like many of us may be with all the Xmas parties this time of year!) you feel the cold less, and your blood is thinned out, making it easier to get frostbitten.

The colder it is the faster you will freeze. At -40C (-40F) you can get frostbite on exposed skin in about 1 minute.

Winter can be very fun, skating, sliding, making snowmen and snowforts, as long as we take precations to protect ourselves! Be safe and have fun!