Winter is coming!
Some may love it, others may loathe it. But one thing we all have in common is dealing with it.
This winter, remember to be a BEAST when it comes to shoveling snow.
According to the American Heart Association, cold weather and shoveling snow are the most common causes of injury and death during the winter months. Americans make more than 11,000 visits to emergency departments every year due to snow shoveling injuries. While heart-related injuries are a smaller percentage, they are nearly 100 percent responsible for all snow shoveling related fatalities.
The HR Leave Administration and The UK HealthCare Trauma Program suggest following the American Heart Association's tips when it comes to snow shoveling by remembering to be a BEAST and not a winter causality:
Breaks: remember to take them often; dress warm but not to overheat.
Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of heart trouble. Some of the most predominant are chest pains, shortness of breath and nausea.
Avoid eating heavy meals before shoveling snow.
Smaller shovels can help reduce the load stress. Over-exertion increases your heart’s demand for oxygen.
Try pushing the snow instead of lifting.
During the potentially bad winter months, plan ahead and make sure to fill all prescription medications. Missed doses of certain medications can lead to serious health conditions. In addition, we strongly encourage you to get your annual flu shot and practice safe protocols when you are around those who are ill.
