In addition to the travel and logistics challenges, heavy snow It can have a negative impact on people’s health.
The Northeast has been hit by historic snowfall this week, and experts have warned that shoveling heavy snow poses physical risks, especially for people who don’t exercise regularly or have pre-existing health conditions.
“The combination of heavy wet snow and high winds will make conditions even more severe. health risks Because it’s much more difficult to travel,” FOX News Senior Medical Analyst Dr. Mark Siegel told FOX News Digital.
Snow shoveling may pose dangerous health risks to certain groups
“When temperatures drop after a storm, heavy, wet snow turns into ice, making it dangerous to walk or drive.”
Siegel said heavy, wet snow that gets inside clothing can cause “additional chills” and, in severe cases, can lead to hypothermia.
Appearing on “Fox & Friends” on Monday, the doctor emphasized the importance of dressing appropriately in these situations.
“This morning I saw people who weren’t properly covered…no gloves, no hats, no coats that were required,” he said.
“They also weren’t looking out for each other. They need to look out for each other. When the wind blows like this, it’s really easy to get confused.”
Siegel urged people to stay indoors unless they absolutely have to leave their homes.
“If you are outside for a short period of time, be careful as power lines may fall or trees may fall. That is also very dangerous,” he warned. “That’s where a lot of the injuries come from.”
There is also an increased risk of falling or being electrocuted by power lines due to the weight of heavy snow. Without power, problems occur. health riskssaid Siegel.
Dr. Joshua Rutzman, a cardiologist at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in White Plains, New York, told the American Heart Association (AMA) that studies show that shoveling heavy snow can place “significant stress on the heart.”
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“In extremely cold temperatures, the added burden may increase the risk of heart-related events,” he said. “This is especially dangerous for people who are unwell or unaccustomed to it. strenuous activity. ”
Shaving in the wind can also increase your health risk, as exposure to cold air can increase blood pressure and constrict coronary arteries, according to the AMA.
“Many heart-related events occur in people who are not normally active,” Ratzman continued. “When a sedentary person suddenly takes on the task of shoveling heavy snow, after the stormthat unexpected burden can unfortunately cause a serious emergency. ”
If you strain to lift something heavy, your normal breathing will be affected and can have the same effect.
Other at-risk groups include people who are obese, people who smoke or have smoked in the past, people with diabetes, and people with high cholesterol or high blood pressure. previously heart attack or stroke are also at greater risk, the AMA reported.
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“People with these characteristics, including those who have received treatment, bypass surgery “Shoveling should not be done in the case of coronary angioplasty or coronary angioplasty,” Lutzman concluded.
Siegel urged people who may be at risk to avoid “being a hero” by going out with a shovel.
“This involves the most cardiac energy expenditure a human can do,” he says. “So if you’re a sedentary person, don’t go shoveling. Get someone younger or in better health to do it.”
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If shoveling is unavoidable, experts advise gradually shoveling at a comfortable pace. The AMA also recommends covering your mouth and nose and wearing layers such as hats and gloves.
Pushing or sweeping snow requires less energy and is safer than lifting or throwing it.
