Editorial

Don't be this winter's first casualty

Thursday, November 12, 2015

We avoided the serious blizzard that was predicted, but we're grateful the National Weather Service delivered the warnings that could have saved lives had the dire forecasts proved accurate.

The American Heart Association is chiming in, but there's little chance that organization's predictions will be overblown.

That's because officials know the first heavy snow will bring a spike in heart attacks, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Colder temperatures and the physical exertion of clearing snow increase the heart's workload, increasing the chance of a heart attack.

The association warns that people who are outdoors in cold weather should avoid sudden exertion such as lifting a heavy shovel packed with snow. Even just walking through heavy, wet snow or snow drifts can strain the heart because most people are not conditioned to the physical stress of simple activities when temperatures drop.

Take your time before venturing into the cold, dressing in layers and wear a hat or head scarf, gloves or mittens, thick socks, and be sure to change wet clothing as soon as possible.

Failure to do so can lead to hypothermia, a potentially deadly problem that means the body temperature has fallen below 95 degrees. It occurs when your body cannot produce enough energy to keep the internal body temperature warm enough.

Children and the elderly are at special risk in winter weather as well as people with a history of heart-related problems.

The American Heart Association offers tips for heart-safe snow shoveling and outdoor activities:

* Give yourself a break. Take frequent breaks indoors to avoid overstressing your heart. Pay attention to how your body feels during those breaks.

* Do not eat a big meal before or immediately after. Eating a large meal can put an extra load on your heart.

* Do not drink alcohol before or immediately after. Alcohol can increase a person's sensation of warmth and may cause you to underestimate the extra strain your body is under in the cold.

* Use a small shovel or a snow thrower. The act of lifting heavy snow can raise blood pressure during the lift. It is safer to lift smaller amounts. When possible, simply push the snow.

* Consult a doctor ahead of time. If you have a medical condition, do not exercise on a regular basis or are middle-aged or older, contact your doctor before you start activities like shoveling.

Signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

* Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

* Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

* Shortness of breath. With or without chest discomfort, shortness of breath can be an indicator of a heart attack, especially if it occurs while doing a non-strenuous activity.

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If signs are present, call 911. Local emergency medical services have expert technicians with equipment designed to save lives. An ambulance is safer than a car ride, and faster treatment means a faster recovery.

More info: at http://bit.ly/1HKgy2B

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