Media Tip Sheet: The Health Risks of Cold Temperatures


January 27, 2026

States are still dealing with the aftermath of a powerful winter storm — one of the most severe and far-reaching in years. Dangerous temperatures continue as snow and ice remain on the ground. 

The George Washington University has health experts available who can provide tips on how to stay warm and discuss the health dangers these temperatures pose. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaumatgwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Monika Goyal is an associate professor of pediatrics at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. 

Adriana Glenn is an assistant professor in the GW School of Nursing. She has 30 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner.

Asefeh Faraz Covelli is an associate professor in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the GW School of Nursing.

Andrew Choi is the co-director of multimodality cardiac imaging and associate professor of medicine and radiology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He can discuss the dangers of shoveling snow. 

Brian Choi, is a professor of medicine and radiology, chief medical information officer, and co-director of advanced cardiac imaging in the division of cardiology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. His clinical interests include the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and valvular heart disease. He can discuss the dangers of shoveling snow. 

Jillian Catalanotti is a professor of Medicine and of Health Policy & Management, associate dean for Clinical Public Health & Population Health Practice, and the Vice Chair for Academic Affairs at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Elizabeth Choma is a pediatric nurse practitioner and clinical assistant professor at the GW School of Nursing.

Jennifer Walsh is a clinical assistant professor in the GW School of Nursing and primarily teaches pediatrics and health assessment. 

April Barbour is an internist with The GW Medical Faculty Associates and an associate professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Caroline Bockus is an assistant professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
 

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