Hypothermia is not just a cold weather phenomenon...Remember that  common sense admonition  about  how to dress when we go out in the cold DRESS IN LAYERS... if you get hot you can take off a few items and if cold add more. The Inuit have know it for eons  and most of the rest of us northerners do it as common practise but a reminder never hurts.

Certainly when going or planning for a x-c ski, I will be conscious of layers be conscious of layers, what type of clothing and the need to warm up if chilled. But even if just a simple snow shovelling, as I have done alot lately, I find myself removing my parka and scarf, as I work up a sweat. The other morning I did this task after having a morning swim and once inside again, could not understand why I was so cold and feeling chilly internally and I think the following article on hypothermia is a good reminder....

"Get stuck in a downpour on a cool day and you run the risk of developing hypothermia if you don't get inside and get out of those wet clothes.

If you like exercising outdoors, you need to take precautions in cooler — but not cold — temperatures. Go for a long, hard bike ride — or run a marathon — when the temperature falls below 10 C, and you may be at risk. You'll feel warm as your body works hard, but once you stop, you will cool off quickly — especially if you are sweating and the wind is blowing.

As your body cools, it will draw heat from your extremities in order to keep your core warm. Your hands or feet may begin to look very pale as your body cools.

What to do

If you're with someone who may have hypothermia, you should get them medical help as soon as possible — especially if that person is shivering, appears disoriented, shows a lack of co-ordination, has cold and pale skin, appears tired, and is slurring speech. Try to get the person indoors where you can keep them warm and dry until help arrives.

Other things you can do include:

• Remove wet clothing and replace it with a dry covering.
• Insulate the person from the ground with a blanket.
• Use your body heat to help warm up the person.
• If the person is able, provide warm non-alcoholic beverages.

You should not apply direct heat to the person through a heating pad, hot water or a heating lamp. You can apply warm compresses to the chest, neck and groin areas. Do not massage or rub the person. People with hypothermia are at increased risk of cardiac arrest and should be handled gently."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/01/13/f-hypothermia.html