CENTRE COUNTY — Snow can look really fluffy and pretty when you are watching it fall from indoors, but when you are outside shoveling it, as well as playing, walking or driving in snowy conditions, the accumulation of these white flakes can be hazardous to your health.
“Winter weather is tough on everyone. When temperatures drop, snow falls or winter storms occur, we see an increase in the number of people presenting at our emergency departments,” Shane R. Sergent, an emergency medicine physician and the Central Region medical director of emergency medicine at Penn Highlands Healthcare, explained. “Falls are common among people of all ages. People with chronic conditions such as heart or lung disease may be at risk of complications. It is important to know your health risks.”
Winter storms can cause many health risks including:
- Back injuries — Cold weather causes muscles, tendons and ligaments in the spine to tighten and become stiff which increases the risk of back injuries when shoveling snow. The National Weather Service recommends wearing boots or shoes with rubber soles to avoid slipping and falling, only moving small amounts of snow with each pass of the shovel when shoveling and taking regular breaks when shoveling.
- Car accidents — According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly 500,000 crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter. AAA recommends only driving when absolutely necessary, driving slowly and increasing your following distance.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning — Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless which makes it difficult to detect. Sometimes winter storms can cause power outages which often lead to people using alternative heating sources such as gas stoves and portable generators indoors which can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide if not properly ventilated. To protect yourself and your loved ones, make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany fuel burning devices, check that all of your appliances are working properly and install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
- Frostbite — When the body is exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time, frostbite, the freezing of body tissues, can occur. Frostbite typically affects the extremities such as fingers, toes, ears and nose. To prevent frostbite dress in warm layers, protect your extremities by wearing socks, gloves and a hat and stay dry.
- Heart attacks — Snow shoveling, which is a strenuous activity, can strain the heart because it raises blood pressure and the heart rate. It is especially dangerous for people with preexisting heart conditions or who are not physically fit. To reduce the risk of heart attack while shoveling snow, avoid shoveling right after you wake up because many heart attacks occur early in the morning when blood is more likely to clot, do not shovel immediately following a heavy meal, do not lift a heavy shovel filled with snow and use a smaller shovel.
- Hypothermia — An abnormally low body temperature can occur when a person is exposed to extremely low temperatures. Warning signs include shivering, confusion, exhaustion and slurred speech. To avoid hypothermia, dress in layers of warm clothing including a hat and gloves, stay dry and change out of wet clothing promptly and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
“One of the best ways to stay injury-free this winter is to reduce your exposure to the weather conditions that can cause them,” Sergent said. “If you suspect any injury due to snow or cold temperatures, seek medical care by a physician or provider as soon as possible; and if the condition warrants, do not hesitate to contact 911.”
