TODAY’S COLUMN - Kami Whitney, PA-C, talks about how to be safe in snowy and cold weather

With the cold temperatures finally setting in and an impending snow storms on the horizon you may be rushing about buying toilet paper and bread, thinking about cuddling up by the fire and either hoping for or dreading school closures.  While we are all preparing. we would like to remind the community of some of the overlooked dangers of the frigid temperatures and the toll of snow removal.

You may have heard that shoveling snow can cause a heart attack. For certain people that may be true.

According to the American Heart Association people that have known heart or coronary disease (disease of the vessels that supply blood to the heart) should take extra precautions when shoveling snow. The combination of cold weather, deconditioning and preexisting disease can lead to problems. Symptoms of heart attack can include chest pain, pressure or squeezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, tingling or pain in the jaw or arms, sweating, stomach pain, nausea and/or vomiting.

While we are thinking about safe shoveling, remember the toll it can take on muscles, most notably those in the back. The proper equipment and shoveling form is essential for preventing injury.

• The proper attire: gloves, hat and boots with adequate tread to prevent slipping.

• An ergonomic shovel, one with a bent handle, prevents excessive bending.

• Take frequent breaks

• Lighten the load: use a smaller shovel to prevent overloading, be aware that wet snow is heavy snow, try pushing snow instead of lifting

• Stop if there is any chest pain, or have difficulty catching your breath.

Another big danger of the snow is hypothermia, or low body temperature. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures during power outages or from extended period outdoors can have severe consequences.

While we often think of the homeless and/or mentally ill as people at risk, there are actually many others to also keep in mind. Both the very young and very old are at risk of developing hypothermia due to poor temperature regulation. Older individuals may also be malnourished or have chronic conditions that increase their chances of developing hypothermia. In fact more than half of all deaths related to hypothermia are older than 65.

While we often think of the elderly neighbor as a possible victim, let’s not forget to monitor children playing in the snow or adults working to remove it. Both are likely to have wet clothing which can increase the rate at which the body loses heat. Wearing adequate clothing, including a hat, and removing wet clothing can help to prevent excess heat loss.

When a person develops mild or moderate hypothermia vigorous shivering is an obvious sign. Other signs that may not be so apparent include poor judgement, irritability and/or confusion, difficulty breathing or breathing faster than normal. Other signs and symptoms such as slurred speech may be confused with intoxication or stroke.

At the first signs of hypothermia, bring the person inside if he or she is outdoors. Remove all wet clothing and replace with dry clothes and begin warming with blankets. Warm water bottles in the arm pits can also assist in the warming. If unable to get the person indoors, move the victim to a protected location out of the wind which can also accelerate body heat losses.

More serious hypothermia results as the core temperature continues to drop. Victims stop shivering and may appear to be sleepy or somewhat unresponsive. Breathing and the heart rate also become slower, and the patient becomes prone to dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities. Continued cooling can lead to coma and cardiac arrest. If any of these more serious symptoms develop call 911 immediately.
As the snow approaches, keep these helpful tips in mind for cold weather safety.

For more information on prevention and treatment visit of hypothermia:
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000038.htm
For tips on safer snow shoveling visit:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Shoveling-Snow-Health-Hazards_UCM_426562_Article.jsp#.Vp6EZVLuP5d
http://www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/ergonomics/tips-snow-shoveling-how-avoid-back-pain

Kami Whitney is a certified Physician Assistant at Arjun Medical Center in Gainesville, Virginia. Arjun Medical Center, headed by Alok Gupta, MD, specializes in Internal Medicine, offering services for all adults. Visit them on the web at http://www.alokguptamd.com or call (571) 248-6666.