Skip to content
Winter Walk CheckConditions before commitment

Winter field guide

Frostbite and Hypothermia Warning Signs

Numb or waxy skin, confusion, fumbling, slurred speech, drowsiness, or severe shivering mean the walk is over and help may be urgent.

Plain answerFrostbite can cause numbness and white, gray-yellow, firm, or waxy skin. Hypothermia warning signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Get to shelter and seek medical help; hypothermia is a medical emergency.
Source checkCDC frostbite and hypothermia guidance
CDC lists adult hypothermia signs including shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Frostbite signs include numbness and white or gray-yellow, firm, or waxy skin.

Do not “finish the loop”

Cold can impair judgment and dexterity. End the outing, call for help when needed, move to warm shelter, and remove wet clothing. Do not rub frostbitten tissue or use direct intense heat; numb skin can be damaged further.

Prevent the escalation

  • Do not ignore persistent or worsening shivering.
  • Check fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, nose, and chin.
  • Turn around when clothing becomes wet or adjustments stop working.
  • Keep communication and shelter within the exposure.
  • Use emergency services for severe symptoms or inability to get warm safely.
Decision ruleConfusion, slurred speech, marked drowsiness, loss of coordination, or suspected hypothermia requires urgent medical attention—not an internet checklist.

Keep the appointment when the weather changes

Walk More! You can do it!

WalkTeaming is a walking game for iPhone and Android. On any day you reach 2,337 steps, that day can qualify as your score. Your best qualifying day of the week goes onto a five-walker team, and the app supplies both your team and a matched opponent.

You do not recruit teammates or share a schedule. Use the button to choose iPhone or Android and see the current installation options.

Try WalkTeaming

The 2,337-step threshold is a game rule, not a medical target. Choose the installation page for your phone.