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The threat of health risks in freezing temperatures is real and doctors say you need to make every effort at protecting yourself and your loved ones.University Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeffrey Elder has issued a stern warning about a real threat that could affect you if you’re not protected in winter weather.Hypothermia is avoidable.We would expect people to stay home, stay indoors and not expose yourself to the elements outside, Elder said.He said you should look out for a change in mental status and body discoloration.Your hands, your feet, your ears, your nose, and so that’s direct cold damage to that tissue, which really can be a pretty significant injury, Elder said. Those injuries could be prevented if you wear the proper attire. Gavin Johnson with Masseys on Carrolton Avenue said bundling up could keep you from burning up.Layers are your best friend. Having a nice outer shell that could block out the wind, having a nice insulated mid layer and some base layers. Heat kind of go through our heads and our feet, so being able to put on a nice beanie, putting on a nice scarf to cover your face, super useful, Johnson said. For those who need to work or be outdoors, Johnson said to pack thick socks, gloves and hand warmers.You just open these up from the pack, kind of rough them up a little bit, and it activates with the oxygen in the air, Johnson said.The health threats aren’t just on the outside. Doctors say one of the biggest threats happens when you turn up the heat. Use all of those heaters as recommended and just be safe and try to avoid the extreme weather, Elder said.