Staying Safe While Shoveling Your Driveway

Shoveling your driveway on a cold and frosty day is something we all may have to do soon but, it could also trigger major health concerns.

Medical Director at the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department, Dr. Vicki Whitacre said before you go outside make sure you are dressed properly for the weather and don’t plan to stay out longer than 10-minutes at a time.

“Well most of us are not used to being outside in this kind of cold weather and add to it the additional exercise of shoveling snow people over task themselves because, they want to get their car uncovered and they want to get their walk-way uncovered so they can get out. The cold makes them possibly hypodermic and they maybe don’t think as well and they might ignore some of the symptoms of a heart attack or other things that could be causing injuries,” said Dr. Whitacre.

Dr. Whitacre said people can experience their first episode while they’re out in the cold because your body has to work harder in the cooler temperatures, which could be harmful to your heart

“Signs and symptoms of a heart-attack start usually with chest pain or a pressure feeling on your chest but, it doesn’t always present that way it could just present with shortness of breath, or a feeling that you don’t feel so well or your a little nauseated and feel like you want to throw up,” said Dr. Whitacre.

Dr. Whitacre said if you notice any of the signs of a possible heart-attack you should seek medical help right away.