Sure, it’s important to take care of your property immediately after a snowstorm. The care involves removing snow from pathways and driveways and checking to see if any damage occurred to any plants and trees after a severe storm. And, if damage to plant life did occur, then you want to do what you can to care for the harmed flora.
But when doing that, don’t forget about your own health. For example, we all know that snow shoveling can have an effect on your heart.
So here are a few tips to keep in mind if you have heart issues and you’re also expect to react to the results of a snowstorm.
Heart Safety And Shoveling Snow
Many of you are probably aware that shoveling snow in bitter cold temperatures increases your workload and offers substantially more stress to your heart. So it is essential for your well being to understand what you need to do to protect your heart as you take on the chore of shoveling snow. Here are some things to stay aware about.
When taking on the chore of shoveling snow from a pathway and/or a driveway, schedule breaks into the activity. This helps to avoid unwanted extra stress on your heart. When you take the breaks, be aware of your body and how it feels during the off time.
It is advised that you do not eat a large meal prior to or after shoveling. The large meal can put extra load on your heart.
(Courtesy: longdistancehiker at flickr.com)
When removing snow, use a small shovel or a snow thrower or blower. Lifting heavy snow can increase your blood pressure as you lift up the snow. It is safer to lift smaller amounts. When possible, it would help if you push the snow of that walkway and/or driveway.
Learn the warning signs of a heart attack and listen to your body. If you experience something that is somewhat abnormal, make an appointment with the doctor to be checked out. Carry your smartphone with you so that you can call 911 if an emergency occurs.
It is also suggested that you don’t drink alcohol before or immediately after shoveling snow. Alcohol can increase your impressions of warmth and make you underestimate the extra strain you go through in a cold environment.
Before the first snowfall, take time to consult with a doctor. And, first have him help you determine if you have a medical condition.
Understand the dangers of hypothermia, which is abnormal low body temperature. The condition could raise your risk of a heart attack. When going out into the winter cold, dress in layers of warm clothing. Air is trapped between the layers and forms protective insulation that helps prevent hypothermia from becoming an issue in the first place. Wear a hat to assure body heat can’t escape from your head.
Your passion to keep your property in good shape after a snowstorm is important. But don’t forget about the health consequences.
(Source: medicalxpress.com)
