Jack frost and father winter is just around the corner and with it comes snow. With snow, of course, comes shoveling. According to cardiac experts, a boosted heart rate and artery-constricting cold air make a perfect storm for a heart attack. The recommendations are that people who are of advanced age, habitually sedentary, smokers and/or those with coronary heart disease should not even pick up a shovel in the first place as it is just too risky. The more of those risk boxes you can check off the riskier the snow shoveling.
But, the reality of shoveling boatloads of snow is sometimes a necessity that cannot be avoided. If this is your case, please consider this advise by medical professionals, Hormone levels between 6am and 10am make people more prone to heart attacks, so shovel either before or after this window. Push the snow rather than lift it. Always remember to breathe in and out – in other words do not hold your breathe, which is more common than you might think when shoveling snow Take regular breaks indoors during a big shoveling job. Postpone a big meal right before and after shoveling as a heavy meal can be taxing on your heart Use a smaller versus larger shovel, as the less snow you move at a time, the safer the shoveling.
Warm-up with hot coco or tea, not alcohol, as the later is also taxing for your heart. When you grip the shovel, keep your hands at least 12 inches apart to reduce strain on your body. Stay hydrated. Stay connected. Bring your cell phone out with you, just in case, you need to call for help. As an alternative to shoveling, you might consider employing a snow blower.
SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR: While shovelling the snow, watch for the following warning signs: •Lightheadedness •Dizziness •Being short of breath •Tightness or burning in chest, neck, arms or back If you experience any of these warnings signs while shovelling, sit down and rest. If the feeling continues for more than a few minutes call 911.
•Be sure to talk to your doctor before tackling the snow. •Avoid shoveling immediately after you waking up in the morning as most heart attacks occur early in the morning when blood is more prone to clotting. Wait for at least 30 minutes and warm up. •Do not eat heavy meal before shoveling: blood gets diverted form the heart to the stomach. •Warm up your muscles before starting by walking for a few minutes or marching in place. •Do not drink coffee or smoke for at least one hour before or one hour after shoveling or during breaks. These are stimulants and elevate your blood pressure and heart rate
•Use a small shovel: shovel many small loads instead of heavy ones. •Begin slowly and take frequent, 15 minute breaks. •Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration Dress in layers, to avoid hypothermia (low body temperature) or overheating. •Cover your head and neck (50% body heat lost through head and neck). •Cover your mouth (breathing cold air can cause angina or trigger breathing problems
