12/01/2018
Snow Shoveling Safety
It important to remember the dangers that middle-aged men and women face from heavy snow shoveling. In 2007, researchers took a look at sudden cardiac death before and after two snowstorms, and the results say it all! Following a heavy snowstorm, researchers found that 40 out of 271 subjects who died of cardiac arrest - almost 15% - were shoveling snow at the time or using other snow removal equipment. That is almost 15 percent of the totals for The reason behind this may be the sheer bulk of the job. During ten minutes of shoveling the average person will displace up to a ton of snow. The catalyst may be a boost in blood pressure and heart rate that dislodges cholesterol, triggering an attack. The American Heart Association offers some important pointers for snow shoveling safety:- Take breaks. Frequent rest breaks during shoveling will help avoid overstressing your heart. Pay attention to how your feel.
- Don’t eat a heavy meal before or soon after shoveling. Eating a large meal can put an extra load on your heart.
- Use a smaller shovel. Lifting heavy snow can cause sharp rises in blood pressure, instead, lift smaller amounts more times and push the snow when possible.
- Pay attention to heart attack warning signs. Minutes matter! Fast action saves lives!
- Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol increases a person’s sensation feeling of warmth and can lead you to underestimate the extra strain their your body is under.
- Avoid hypothermia. Heart failure is the primary cause of death from hypothermia. Dress in layers of warm clothing, that will trap air between the layers and form a protective insulation. Wear a hat!
