While Americans dig out of the snow, record low temperatures are wreaking havoc on several Asian countries.
Authorities in Taiwan have advised people to stay indoors after many hypothermia-related deaths. Hypothermia occurs when the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures and loses heat faster than it can produce it. Symptoms include constant shivering, confusion and a weak pulse among other signs.
Meanwhile in Japan, the tropical island of Okinawa saw snow for the first time in recorded history since 1966, while the island of Amami Oshima had its first snowfall in 115 years.
In China, Beijing saw temperatures plunge to single digits. While Hong Kong's weather had people bundling up at 39 degrees.
Instructional Links
Dictionary: Kids Health Dictionary A-Z: Hypothermia
http://kidshealth.org/parent/dictionary/h/az-hypothermia.html
Website: Kids Health: How to be Safe in Ice and Snow
http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/winter_safety.html?tracking=K_RelatedArticle