Seasonal Tips
Public Health Emergencies and Winter WeatherSnow and ice storms and freezing temperatures can turn a winter wonderland into a public health emergency that threatens people's health and safety. People with health problems and those with fragile immune systems are particularly at risk.
HIP strongly advises residents to begin today, before a winter storm strikes, to "winterize" their family emergency preparedness plans and learn how to avoid exposure to extreme cold conditions that can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. At home, make certain that you have extra water and food and know how you will manage during a power outage. A family's winter emergency plan should address how to keep people warm and dry if a winter storm knocks out power and electricity. Never use a generator indoors to produce electricity because your family can be poisoned by carbon monoxide fumes.
When using a non-electric heater or wood stove to warm your house, you must have adequate ventilation to the outside to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an invisible odorless, poisonous gas given off by generators and other alternative heating sources. Symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide are similar to the flu but without a fever. At lower levels of exposure, a person may develop a headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and shortness of breath. Exposure to very high levels of carbon monoxide can result in loss of consciousness and even death. Portable CO detectors, similar to smoke detectors, are on the market. They are designed to sound a warning before CO levels in the blood become elevated and cause death. The detectors should provide adequate warning when CO levels in the air increase gradually over a period of an hour or more. These are the conditions that typically occur due to a faulty furnace or stove. A carbon monoxide detector is not a substitute for regular maintenance of CO sources. Fire departments recommend that CO detectors be placed in the center of the ceiling on the sleeping level and in the furnace area. For further assistance, please check with your local fire department.
Exposure to the lower temperatures can also cause medical emergencies. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that causes the body's core temperature to drop dangerously low. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion and slurred speech. Infants with hypothermia may have little energy and bright red, cold skin.
Hypothermia can occur unexpectedly even in rooms in which temperatures are set at 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. People who are 65 and older should set their home thermostat no lower than 65 F. Those who are 75 and older should maintain home temperatures of 70 degrees F.
Frostbite is another serious cold weather condition, and is especially dangerous because it happens with little warning. Numbness can occur so quickly that a person may not know it, and may remain outside, which increases the risk of permanent damage to the skin. Older people and those with diabetes are especially vulnerable to frostbite because of poor circulation.
To prevent hypothermia and frostbite, dress warmly and wear several layers of clothes to trap body heat. Go indoors when you begin to feel cold. Wear outer clothing that is tightly woven to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind.
Cold weather also puts an extra burden on the heart. If you have cardiac problems or high blood pressure, check with your doctor before shoveling or performing any strenuous exercise outside. Healthy adults, too, should dress warmly when working outside. You should go indoors if you begin to feel cold, and remember that the body is working overtime to keep warm.
Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.
For additional information, go to:
Centers for Disease Control: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/factsheet.asp
Published in February 2007. HIP reviews this article, as all articles in MyHealth, on a quarterly basis.
Snow Shoveling and Snow Blowing Safety
Many of us enjoy watching the first fluffy snowflakes of the winter season fall outside our windows. At the same time, we imagine piles of snow to be cleared from our driveway, steps and sidewalk in the coming months. By following some simple safety precautions, these inevitable cold weather tasks can be accomplished safely and without injuries.
The good news is that 15 minutes of snow shoveling counts as moderate physical activity. The bad news is that the number of fatal heart attacks resulting from snow shoveling increases after a heavy snowfall. Snow shoveling is extremely hard work. It increases heart rate and blood pressure. Cold weather itself, without any physical exertion, puts additional strain on your heart. Do not shovel snow unless you are in good physical condition. People who are overweight, have heart problems, high cholesterol or high blood pressure are at higher risk for injuries when snow shoveling. If you are not physically active, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare provider before shoveling snow.
Back injuries are among the most common injuries resulting from snow shoveling. Stretching first is always a good idea. If possible, wait until later in the day to start shoveling. Many back injuries occur in the morning because the tissue around the spine is not as warmed up or loose after a night of rest. Ironically, people between the ages of 20 and 50 are generally more likely than older individuals to injure their backs because they may think that they are in better shape than they are. Older people with back problems should never attempt to shovel snow. An older person also has a greater risk of slipping on ice or snow and breaking a wrist, hip, arm or leg.
Here are some shoveling tips to prevent back injury and strain:
- Use a lightweight snow shovel. New "back-saver" snow shovels are designed with crooked handles to minimize bending and back strain.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart for balance and keep the shovel close to your body.
- Take small loads of snow, bend at the knees and lift with your leg muscles, not your back.
- Scoop in a forward motion and step in the direction you throw the snow.
- Avoid twisting movements which put additional strain on your back.
- Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain.
- Take frequent breaks. Stand up and walk around for at least two or three minutes after every 10 minutes of snow shoveling.
Another leading cause of injury during the winter season is failure to take precautions while using a snow blower. These simple steps will help you avoid injury while using a snow blower:
- Wear winter boots with treads and tie the laces tightly so you have a firm footing before you start the snow blower.
- Remove obstacles from your path and aim the snow carefully. If rocks or chunks of ice are thrown by the snow blower, they may cause injury or damage to property.
- Do not unclog the snow blower chute while the engine is running.
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothing that may get caught in the snow blower.
- Do not operate the blower over gravel or loose stones or on steep hills.
- Know how to shut the machine off quickly.
- Never leave your snow blower running and unattended.
- Keep children away from the snow blower at all times.
Remember, as with any outdoor activity, you should dress properly for the weather. Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Half of body heat is lost through the head, so wear a hat. Wear mittens instead of gloves. Entrapped, insulated air, warmed by body heat, is the best protection against the cold.
For additional information, go to:
National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/om/winter
Published in February 2007. HIP reviews this article, as all articles in MyHealth, on a quarterly basis.
