Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care’s Winter Weather Tips

As February begins with a winter snowstorm, Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care is offering insightful tips to keep Connecticut residents healthy and safe this season.

“While winter can be a beautiful season full of family fun and awesome snow sports, it can also be an easy time for injuries to happen,” said Dr. Eric Walsh, Medical Director of Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care. “The snow, ice and cold temperatures can also create unique health risks. We’re hoping we can help our neighbors prevent or alleviate those unexpected medical surprises due to winter weather conditions and seasonal living patterns.”

Pay attention to the heart.

Rates of heart attacks rise by as much as 30% in the coldest months of the year. This is due to several factors. First, cold weather causes an increase in blood pressure and cholesterol, which are both risk factors for heart disease. Second, in cold weather people often engage in exertional activities like skiing and snow shoveling, which puts an added strain on the heart. And third, people often indulge in alcohol and sugary, fatty foods during winter holidays, which can worsen chronic health conditions like diabetes, and cause heart arrhythmias and heart attacks.

“It’s very important during the winter months that residents with heart issues lower as many cardiac risk factors as possible,” said Dr. Walsh. “Residents should remember to seek immediate medical attention if they have any symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain, arm tingling or numbness, jaw pain, shoulder pain, nausea, dizziness or increased sweating.”

Use good body mechanics when shoveling.

During winter months, tens of thousands of people sustain injuries to their necks, backs, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles while shoveling snow. Because shoveling can cause some of the most common winter injuries, it is important to use good body mechanics while doing the lifting, bending and twisting motions that shoveling entails. For example, Connecticut residents should focus on maintaining a straight back instead of rounding when bending to shovel snow.

“Shoveling properly with the legs, instead of the back, can make a big difference in terms of injuries this winter,” said Dr. Walsh. “And it’s very important that nobody with respiratory issues shovel snow or overly exert themselves removing snow.”

Play winter sports safely.

While winter provides the opportunity for an abundance of fun outdoor activities, it also comes with an increased risk of sports-related injuries. In fact, according to OrthoInfo.org, more than 200,000 people sought medical care for winter sports-related injuries in 2018. Because skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and sledding are the most common causes of winter injuries, it is important to take precautions when engaging in these activities and wear appropriate safety gear when indicated.

Dress for the weather.

According to a study published in the journal Environmental Research, every year cold weather also causes more fatalities in the U.S. than hot weather. One of the most effective ways to prevent hypothermia-related injuries is to be aware of the weather forecast, and dress accordingly. In addition to wearing warm clothes and an adequate coat, it is important to protect the head, face and hands when outdoors.

Be mindful of footing when walking in the winter elements.

The National Safety Council estimates that there are nearly 9 million ER visits each year from slip-and-fall accidents, which are more likely to occur during winter months when ice, rain and snow create dangerous conditions. It is important to take precautions by shoveling and salting walkways. Also, if spending time outdoors, Connecticut residents can decrease the risk of a slip-and-fall injury by wearing sturdy footwear and carefully watching where they’re stepping.

Even when being cautious, accidents happen. Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care is open seven days a week in many communities throughout Connecticut with x-ray available at all locations. Walk in or save your spot online to see seen here: www.GoHealthUC.com/CT