A Childhood Mistake: Tying Your Tongue to Metal and Lessons Learned

When you were a kid, did you ever put your tongue on a frozen pole like Flick did in ldquo;A Christmas Storyrdquo;? I almost feel ashamed to admit that I did this when I was really young, but instead of it being a metal pole outside, it was the metal coils in our refrigerator. I ripped it off and it healed in a couple of days or so. I am sure way more people have done this than are willing to admit it.

At least it's not as bad as what happened in ldquo;A Very Harold Kumar Christmasrdquo; where Jerry Z tried it on the handrail of the school. "Flick Flick who?" No, I wasn't stupid. Jerry Z was in grade five, and we were at recess discussing it. Can a tongue freeze to steel if it touched it? Jerry didn't believe it would.

"Your tongue is warm; it wouldn't freeze," he said. There was no betting or dares. He tried it on the handrail outside the school, and minutes later, we stood around staring at poor Jerry, crying and yelling for help with a lisp. I thought at first he was kidding, but he was stuck fast. Winters in Canada were much colder than they are now. They are actually quite warm nowadays.

Unlike poor Flick in ldquo;A Christmas Storyrdquo;, my wife, and I visited the house in Cleveland, and we didn't leave Jerry hanging. Jerry was crying, and his tongue was actually frozen to the steel handrail. "Don't move Jer!" I yelled. I ran into the school to our classroom. "MRS. CRAWFORD! JERRY'S TONGUE IS STUCK TO THE HANDRAIL!" I yelled to her.

“OH MY GOD!” she yelled. She took a cup and ran it under the tap in the bathroom until the water was hot. We then ran to where Jerry was and she slowly poured the warm water over Jerry's tongue and the handrail as she calmly told him to be still. His tongue came loose quite easily. Boring, no fire trucks, no cloth wrapped around Jerry's tongue. Only his ego was deflated.

After that, we didn't look at old Mrs. Crawford as the wicked witch of the West but in much higher esteem.

The dangers of placing your tongue near cold steel are clear, but did you know that the freezing temperatures can also cause frostbite, hypothermia, and other serious health issues? In this article, we will delve into the science behind these phenomena, discuss the risks associated, and offer tips on how to stay safe in cold weather.

The Science Behind Tongue Freezing

The human tongue is warm and contains a high concentration of blood vessels. However, steel and other metals can drop to very low temperatures, causing the moisture from your tongue to freeze almost instantly upon contact. When this happens, the tongue can stick to the metal, leading to pain, swelling, and, in severe cases, damage to the tissue.

Risks of Cold Weather Injuries

Aside from tongue freezing, cold weather can cause other serious injuries. Frostbite, for example, occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze. This can result in permanent damage if not treated properly. Hypothermia, on the other hand, is a more severe condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a drop in core body temperature.

Stay Safe in Cold Weather

To stay safe in cold weather, it's essential to take proper precautions and follow safety guidelines. Here are some tips:

Wear appropriate clothing, including warm layers, hats, gloves, and scarves. Avoid exposed skin and ensure it is fully covered. Avoid prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Stay dry; moisture can enhance the cooling effect of the cold air. Skip wet or damp conditions; seek shelter if possible. Stay hydrated by drinking warm fluids. Monitor the weather forecast and adjust your activities accordingly. In case of frostbite or hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

While placing your tongue on a frozen pole may seem like a thrilling childhood experience, it comes with severe risks. We hope this article has shed light on the dangers of tongue freezing in cold weather and emphasized the importance of safety in such conditions. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can enjoy the beauty of winter without jeopardizing your health.