Helpful Tips for Winter Weather Health & Safety

In February, as winter storm warnings continue, Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care offers helpful tips to keep New Yorkers healthy and safe.

“Winter is a great time to bundle up the family and enjoy outdoor activities, but it can also be a time when some suffer cold-related injuries,” said Dr. Alex Mangas D.O., the Associate Medical Director of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care. “The low temperatures, snow and ice can trigger health risks. But people can take steps to avoid injury and medical risks.”

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 such as diabetes, and cause cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks.

“During the colder months, people with heart conditions should seek to minimize their risk factors, which can worsen cardiac issues,” Dr. Mangas said. “Contact a medical provider immediately if there is the onset of heart attack symptoms, including chest pain, arm tingling or numbness, shoulder pain, jaw pain, nausea, increased sweating or dizziness.”

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, New Yorkers should focus on maintaining a straight back instead of rounding when bending to shovel snow.

“Because shoveling is such a strenuous activity, we recommend incorporating proper shoveling techniques, having your legs bear the burden instead of your back, to avoid injury,” Dr. Mangas said. “Anyone with cardiac or respiratory issues should avoid the kind of overexertion that comes with shoveling and snow removal.”

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 sources, roughly 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, New Yorkers can decrease the risk of a slip-and-fall injury by wearing sturdy footwear and carefully watching where they’re stepping.

Virtual Visits from the comfort of home. During inclement weather, opt for virtual care for conditions such as sore throats, coughs, UTIs, cold, flu and even for COVID-19 evaluations. Dr. Mangas said that Northwell Health-Go Health Urgent Care providers see patients via Virtual Visits from anywhere in New York State year-round.

“Virtual Visits deliver the same quality of care you’d receive at any of our centers,” Dr. Mangas explained. “The providers you know and trust at your local neighborhood centers are available to care for you from the comfort and safety of your home. And for your convenience, if you truly need an in-person evaluation, your Virtual Visit provider can assist you.”