{"id":16783,"date":"2011-02-01T18:46:31","date_gmt":"2011-02-01T23:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=16783"},"modified":"2011-02-01T18:46:31","modified_gmt":"2011-02-01T23:46:31","slug":"the-scoop-on-shoveling-snow-safely-and-tips-on-winter-weather-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2011\/02\/01\/the-scoop-on-shoveling-snow-safely-and-tips-on-winter-weather-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"The scoop on shoveling snow safely and tips on winter weather safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Fort<\/p>\n

Press release from<\/p>\n

The scoop on shoveling snow safely<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Removing snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks after a snowfall is an important chore, but it can also be a dangerous one for those with heart and lung conditions.<\/p>\n

A recent study conducted at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio found that an average of 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries and medical emergencies were treated in U.S. emergency departments from 1990 to 2006. More than half of the hospitalizations and 100 percent of the 1,647 fatalities associated with shoveling snow were due to cardiac-related events.<\/p>\n

Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart, and shoveling is already a vigorous physical activity even for healthy individuals. Shovelers also are at risk for hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature, if they are not dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.<\/p>\n

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or a history of heart attacks, it is best to avoid shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold.<\/p>\n

“It is always best to consult with your physician before engaging in strenuous activity that could lead to additional health concerns,” said Dr. Michael Mirro, cardiologist, Fort Wayne Cardiology and medical director, Parkview Research Center. “We want residents in our community to be as safe as possible during severe winter weather.”<\/p>\n

The same warning applies to smokers and those with asthma or chronic lung conditions.<\/p>\n

“The combination of cold weather and physical exertion can often precipitate and worsen asthma and other related lung problems,” said Scott Mann, MD, medical director of emergency services, Dupont Hospital.<\/p>\n

“If you begin to experience shortness of breath, it’s wise to stop what you’re doing. If the condition persists\u00e2\u20ac\u201dor if you begin to experience chest pain\u00e2\u20ac\u201dcall 911 immediately because in the case of a heart attack, time is muscle” Mann said.<\/p>\n

Whenever possible, try to avoid shoveling snow by hiring someone to do it or using alternatives including salts, deicing sprays, heated sidewalk mats or snow blowers.<\/p>\n

If you must shovel snow, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health recommends taking the following steps to minimize your risk of injury:<\/p>\n