BRIAN McCOMB: Tips To Stay Healthy, Safe This Season

While the winter solstice hasn't "officially" arrived in the Manistee area, we definitely have a good dose of what's to come.

Nature lovers can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowboarding and other seasonal recreation opportunities. Others may choose the cozy alternative of curling up with a book by the wood stove or fireplace. But for all of us, winter brings with it important conditions that we must prepare for and sometimes avoid in order to stay healthy and stay out of the hospital.

One of the problems of the season is the risk of fatigue and heart attack while shoveling snow.

My colleague Dino Recchia, MD, FACC, chief of cardiology at Munson Medical Center and a member of the Traverse Heart and Vascular Specialist Group at Manistee Hospital, shares that the heart can usually handle an increased workload if the workload is introduced slowly over time. extra time. However, when shoveling snow, especially heavy wet snow, the load is suddenly placed on the core in a very short time.

Dr Recchia says the amount of stress on the heart can be the same as what a person would experience at the peak of a stress test, which is dangerous for people with heart problems and people who are not in good physical shape. . situation. To make matters worse, cold weather constricts blood vessels, which increases blood pressure and can reduce blood supply to the heart muscle.

These symptoms are characteristic of chest pain or radiation pressure in the chest area or in the chest area, in the respiratory area, in the chest area or on the breath.

If you need a snow shovel, Dr. Recchia, it's best to do it slowly and break it up into small chunks so you can manage the stress on your heart. If you are older and have multiple risk factors for heart disease or known heart disease, it may be safer to have someone else do it for you.

Another problem in winter is keeping our feet underfoot. Slips, trips, and falls often result in broken wrists or hands, broken hips, shoulder problems, and more. causes such injuries. Our promise to Munson Health employees is to "walk like a penguin" in the winter. This means that

• Wear non-slip shoes appropriate for the season.
• Take shorter steps with slightly spread toes like a penguin.
• Try not to carry things and walk around with your hands in your pockets - use a large backpack or handbag.
• Avoid uneven surfaces and icy steps or curbs if possible.
• Push your foot into areas you suspect are slippery.
• Do not rush, choose the safest way.

Winter also brings the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning from malfunctioning heating systems, idling cars, or winter power outages. Here are some tips from the CDC:

• Have your heating system professionally serviced annually.
• Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
• Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gas or coal-burning appliance in your home, basement, garage, or near a window.
• Do not enter the garage next to your home, even if the garage door is open. If you park the car outside to keep it warm, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow.
• Do not heat your home with a gas stove.
• Make sure your fireplace or wood stove is properly ventilated before lighting a fire.

Winter is part of the "four seasons" appeal of northern Michigan residents. Spend the coming months outdoors or relax at home, but stay healthy!

As always, Munson Healthcare Manistee is ready to assist you any time of the year should the need arise. To learn more about available services, visit munsonhealthcare.org/Manistee.

Brian McComb is Chief Medical Officer, South Region, Monson Healthcare. His office can be reached at 231-398-1840.

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