Health
Too old to shovel? Experts talk about the risks of shoveling snow
Teens, get out your shovels. Parents of teenagers, rejoice. Because experts warn against shoveling if you're over 45 and have certain medical conditions.
Central Ohio hasn't been hit as hard as other states or other parts of Ohio, but winter storm Several inches of snow has fallen in the area, with more expected over the weekend. That means a return to cold jobs that often leave you out of breath and sweating into your down jacket despite sub-zero temperatures.
Breathing in and out may be more dangerous than you think. In some cases, it can be fatal. According to the report, from 1990 to 2006, nearly 200,000 adults were treated in emergency rooms for snow shoveling-related accidents, and more than 1,600 deaths were reported during that period. American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Adults over the age of 45 are at a high risk of injury or death when shoveling snow, so they need to be careful. american heart association (AHA) spokesperson told USAToday.
Colder temperatures and lack of other activities increase risk
Icy conditions and heavy snow can put people at risk for falls and muscle injuries, but it's the risk to the heart that medical experts are most concerned about.
“In many ways, this is very similar to other exercise activities,” says Dr. Jim Liu, a cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “Your heart rate goes up. Your blood pressure goes up.”
But colder temperatures can cause “vasoconstriction,” or narrowing of blood vessels, which can further increase blood pressure, Liu explained. This is especially dangerous for people who have heart problems, known or unknown. The AHA also notes that shoveling snow is primarily arm work, which puts a greater strain on the heart than leg exercise, and that people often unconsciously hold their breath when straining to lift heavy loads, which increases heart rate. It was pointed out that it increases blood pressure.
Shoveling snow is also a chore that people do regardless of their exercise habits. So people who don't do aerobic exercise regularly, and therefore don't get their heart rate up regularly, are even more at risk due to the sudden increase in activity.
But Liu doesn't necessarily agree with putting an age limit on who should be more careful when shoveling snow.
“One 45-year-old may be different from another 45-year-old in terms of their fitness level and basic health, right?” Liu said. “So I'm not saying just because you're over a certain age you're necessarily insulated. You're certainly getting older, so I think everyone should be careful.”
Tips and tricks for safely shoveling snow
In addition to preparing for the cold, Liu says there are some tips from the American Heart Association on how to reduce the risks associated with shoveling snow.
- If you have risk factors for heart disease or suspect you may have heart disease, ask someone else to shovel your snow for you, such as a friend or family member, or pay for a snow shoveling service.
- If you have the only option, start gradually and adjust the pace of your shoveling.
- Pushing or sweeping snow instead of lifting or throwing it requires less effort.
- Use an automatic snow blower instead of shoveling snow. Studies show that using a snow blower increases your heart rate to about 120, while the heart rate of a person shoveling snow is about 170.
Liu also said you should stretch and make sure you stay hydrated before shoveling snow, just as you would before any aerobic exercise.
How to recognize cardiac events
According to the AHA, common symptoms of cardiac events such as heart attacks include chest pain or tightness, light-headedness, heart palpitations, and irregular heart rhythms.
If you experience any of these symptoms while shoveling snow, please stop shoveling. If your symptoms don't go away quickly, call 911.
Samantha Hendrickson is a medical business and healthcare reporter for The Dispatch. You can contact her at: [email protected]
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