The West Virginia Department of Health is advising residents to prioritize safety when shoveling snow and engaging in outdoor activities after recent inclement weather. Cabinet Secretary Sherri A. Young emphasized the importance of dressing warmly to prevent hypothermia, but also highlighted other weather-related dangers.
Young stated, “While we think of battling a red nose, cold fingers, or numb feet when outside, we must also be mindful of all the weather-related dangers in these situations. What we can’t see is that colder temperatures make the heart work harder to keep the body’s temperature up.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 100 people die annually from shoveling snow. Individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease face an increased risk of heart attack during strenuous activities like snow shoveling.
The CDC recommends several precautions before shoveling snow: checking the weather conditions, dressing in layers of loose-fitting clothing, using appropriate tools such as a shovel with a small plastic blade, and employing proper techniques to minimize physical strain. It is advised not to overexert oneself and to take breaks while staying hydrated.
Pushing snow instead of lifting it can reduce physical stress. Additionally, recognizing signs of hypothermia and frostbite is crucial. Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Immediate medical attention is necessary if body temperature drops below 95° F.
Heart attack symptoms may include chest discomfort lasting more than a few minutes or recurring pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath and nausea are additional indicators. In such cases, calling 911 immediately is critical.
For those experiencing low body temperature without immediate medical help available, the CDC suggests moving them to a warm environment and removing wet clothing. Warming should focus on central body areas using an electric blanket if possible. Warm drinks can help increase body temperature but avoid alcohol and do not give drinks to unconscious individuals.
More information on winter safety can be found at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.asp.
