Dec 18, 2024
192
Health
Stay safe in winter weather
While snow can be beautiful and fun to play in, winter weather can also be hazardous if the proper precautions aren’t taken. Christopher Snyder, DO, chief quality officer and the physician advisor for utilization review and case management at TidalHealth, shares some tips for staying safe.
Stay inside to avoid falls.
If you think you’re at a higher risk of falling, admire the snow from indoors. Ice isn’t always easy to see, so it can be hard to avoid outside.
“If you have poor balance and agility on normal dry, warm ground, avoid going out in freezing, icy environments,” Dr. Snyder says.
He says in storms like this one, falls resulting in fractured hips, femurs and pelvises are the main thing TidalHealth sees in the Emergency Department.
Realize shoveling is exercise.
Shoveling snow can stress the cardiovascular system, especially for those who don’t have a regular exercise routine, Dr. Snyder says. He recommends hiring someone, if you can.
Shoveling can even lead to heart attacks in some people.
Featured Article
Wear protective gear.
If you are going outside, you could be at risk for cold-weather health conditions by staying outside longer than five to 10 minutes in freezing temperatures, Dr. Snyder says. It’s best to wear boots, gloves and hats rated for subzero temperatures. In temperatures below 20 degrees, frostbite on extremities such as the hands, feet and nose are concerns, he says.
Warning signs of hypothermia — too low of a body temperature — according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are:
-
Shivering
-
Exhaustion or feeling very tired
-
Confusion
-
Fumbling hands
-
Memory loss
-
Slurred speech
-
Drowsiness
-
In babies, signs include bright red, cold skin, and low energy.
The CDC says if you take someone’s temperature and it is under 95 degrees Fahrenheit, that is an emergency.
Warning signs of frostbite, which happens when someone’s body tissues freeze, according to the CDC, are:
-
A white or grayish-yellow skin area
-
Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
-
Numbness
Take safety precautions.
Another precaution to take in winter weather is to be careful when using indoor heaters, such as those that use propane or kerosene, Dr. Snyder says.
Below are the CDC’s tips for using space heaters safely:
-
Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements.
-
Keep heat sources, like space heaters, at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never cover your space heater.
-
Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
-
Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
-
Make sure the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard, but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
-
Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
Plenty more advice about staying warm safely from the CDC, including ensuring proper ventilation, can be found here.
Also, it’s been a while since we had a storm like this, and many who live on Delmarva aren’t used to driving in the snow. So, unless you need to go out, stay home and stay off the road, Dr. Snyder says.
If you have an emergency that you need care for today, Jan. 6, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, TidalHealth Nanticoke, and Emergency Services at TidalHealth McCready Pavilion are open. Please be cautious if traveling.
Non-emergency services are closed; to see a list of closures, visit this link.
Topics:
