Hamilton Community Health Network offers tips
As heavy snow continues to fall we know the shoveling and clean-up won’t be far behind. That means many of us will be out in our driveways with shovels, lifting and throwing pounds of snow.
Hamilton Community Health Network Nurse Practitioner, Nicole Mangett, offered some insight for those shoveling after large snowfalls. “If you plan to shovel snow, it is important to do a short warm-up to get the blood flowing prior to the strenuous activity and realize that shoveling is a work-out.”
Mangett further explained, “snow shoveling can be equal to the stress and cardio work out as a strenuous aerobic work-out. Shoveling snow increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and overall stress to the heart. Combine that with cold weather and it can cause the heart to work even harder and possibly lead to a cardiac episode or even a heart attack.”
The American Heart Association says the extra stress on the cardiovascular system while shoveling or snow blowing says anyone who has a history of cardiovascular problems or risks such as a sedentary lifestyle or obesity, high blood pressure should not be shoveling snow.
Nicole also suggested everyone who is shoveling their way out of the storm to:
- Don’t eat a heavy meal or consume alcohol before heading out to shovel
- Dress appropriately
- Take frequent breaks while shoveling
- Never overexert yourself.
- Stop immediately and call 911 if you experience any chest pain or tightness, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
- Talk with your primary care physician about your heart health today.
For more information call 810.406.4246.
