The winter months mean colder temperatures, snow and ice, as well as a higher risk for injury if you’re not careful.
“Common concerns we see in the emergency department during the winter are falls, cold exposure, heart attacks from over-exertion and viral illnesses,” says Rick Tao, MD, MS, Washington University medical director of the Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital emergency department. “There are a number of ways to stay healthy and avoid injuries if you plan ahead and avoid risky situations.”
“Prevention is key,” he says. Make sure your furnace is inspected; chimneys are cleaned and inspected; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and batteries tested; and fire safety drills are conducted with the entire family.
When you do venture outside to shovel your driveway, work in the cold every day or drive in winter conditions, being prepared for the dangers of winter can help keep you safe. Dr. Tao shares a few prevention tips to keep in mind:
Winter safety precautions when outside
- If you are outdoors for a short period of time or spend your day working outdoors, you should dress warmly and in layers. If you are doing heavy work outside, make sure you work slowly so you don’t over-exert yourself.
- Avoid walking on icy areas and avoid getting wet so you don’t get too chilled.
- When camping, hiking or skiing by yourself, tell a friend or family member where you will be and when you should be home.
Avoiding falls during icy conditions
- Pay attention to the surface you are walking on and be alert to the possibility that you could quickly slip on an unseen patch of ice. If possible, avoid icy pathways and, if unsure, test potentially icy spots by tapping the area with your foot.
- Avoid the temptation to run to catch a bus or beat traffic when crossing a street in case of slippery conditions.
- Use good-soled footwear and take short, shuffling steps, while bending slightly and staying flat-footed with your center of gravity over your feet when walking on icy or snowy ground.
- Try not to carry heavy loads or children that may cause you to become off-balance.
Shoveling snow in the winter
- The No. 1 risk people think about when shoveling snow is a heart attack. People with known cardiac diseases, stroke, orthopedic problems, and who are physically out of shape should avoid this activity.
- If you must shovel, it is important to dress warmly and in layers and be aware of the wind chill factor.
- Warm up before you shovel by stretching your back and exercising your abdominals, legs and upper body muscles.
- Start by shoveling small, manageable areas.
- Pace yourself, take frequent breaks and remember to stay hydrated.
- Don’t hold your breath when gathering, lifting or throwing the snow, and take time to have a cool-down period when you are done.
Prepare your car in case you are stranded during winter weather
- Before you head out in your vehicle during winter weather, make sure you travel with a full tank of gas and full cell phone charge.
- Prepare and carry a winter emergency bin in your trunk. If you are stuck or your car battery has died, you will want items, such as a small shovel, jumper cables, tow rope, kitty litter or sand for traction, fluorescent signaling cloth whistle, a blanket, bottled water, snacks (energy bars), matches and small candles, cell phone charger, flashlight with extra batteries, small first aid kit, and extra hats, gloves and socks.
- If you do become stranded in your car, it is best to remain inside your vehicle, wait for help and avoid over-exerting yourself. It’s best to run the engine for only short periods of time (about 10 minutes) and remember to check and make sure your tailpipe is free of snow or blockage.
If you need emergency care, the emergency department at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, located at Olive and Mason in Creve Coeur. It’s easy to find and has short wait times, which is exactly what you need in an emergency. World-class Washington University emergency medicine physicians are here around the clock to provide expert care.