Snow Shoveling Health Risks and Precautions
People with Physical Concerns or Risk of Heart Attack Risk Injury
Dec 19, 2008
According to the American Heart Association, many people are not conditioned to physical stress and do not know the dangers of being outdoors in cold weather. Physical exertion, particularly snow shoveling, in frigid weather can result in back strain, muscles aches and sudden heart attacks.
People who exert themselves in cold weather can strain their heart and suffer a heart attack. Sudden exertion, such as lifting a heavy shovel full of snow, can be especially risky. Even walking through wet, heavy snow can strain the heart.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature has fallen below normal. Hypothermia occurs when the body cannot produce enough energy to keep the internal temperature of the body warm. Heart failure causes the most deaths in hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia include mental confusion, lack of coordination, slowed reactions, shivering and sleepiness.
Children, elderly people and those with heart disease are at special risk for hypothermia. Elderly people may be insensitive to cold conditions, so they can suffer hypothermia without even realizing they are in danger.
People who have coronary heart disease may suffer chest pain or discomfort in the cold weather. According the American Heart Association, some studies suggest that harsh winter weather can increase risk of heart attack due to overexertion.
High winds and snow can steal body heat because they remove the layer of heated air from around the body. Layers of clothing help to protect body heat by trapping air around the body. Cover ears, hands and feet, as they can lose heat rapidly.
Avoid alcoholic beverages before venturing outdoors in the cold. Alcohol may give a buzz that feels like warmth because blood vessels near the skin expand. Heat is drawn away from the vital internal organs.
People at Risk of Heart Attack
People with an elevated heart attack risk should think twice before shoveling snow. Anyone who has already had a heart attack, has a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smokers and people with a sedentary lifestyle are already at increased heart attack risk and should consult their doctor before shoveling snow.
Snow Shoveling Safety Tips
- Avoid caffeine or nicotine before shoveling because they cause blood vessels to constrict, placing extra stress on the heart.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Drink water before shoveling to avoid dehydration.
- Dress in layers.
- Warm up muscles by walking or stretching.
- Use a small shovel to avoid overfilling the blade with heavy snow.
- Lift correctly to protect the back.
- Use proper body mechanics
- Stand with feet at hip width for balance
- Keep the shovel close to the body.
- Bend from the knees.
- Tighten stomach muscles while lifting.
- Avoid twisting movements.
People who are not in peak physical condition or at risk for heart attack should think twice before shoveling snow. Even healthy people should take extra precautions to avoid injury.
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