Staying safe while enjoying the winter season

Date: 02/20/2024

Presque Isle, Maine (February 16, 2024) — While winter weather has been milder than usual so far this season, with the start of February school vacation week, Northern Light AR Gould Hospital health professionals want to share a few winter safety tips.

“Winter is a fun season, particularly in The County, with our cross country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobile trails. It is also a time that can be hard on bodies, whether from some of these outdoor sports or from necessary tasks like shoveling or snow blowing, or from exposure to cold temperatures,” says Dawn Roberts, community health coordinator at AR Gould Hospital.

Wearing appropriate clothing for the weather; learning the basic skills and using the appropriate gear for a sport; and taking steps to lower your risk of hypothermia, frostbite, heart attacks, and injuries is an important part of enjoying and staying safe during the winter season.

Winter Wear
Appropriate outdoor clothing should include a tightly woven, preferable wind-resistant coat; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens (which are better than gloves); hats or a hood (since most heat is lost through the head); scarves; and waterproof boots.

“Layers provide better warmth, and you can remove a layer if it gets wet,” explains Roberts. “During really cold days, you should also cover your mouth with a scarf or coat collar to protect your lungs.”

But don’t over bundle children who are playing outside, according to pediatrician Renee Fournier, DO.

“Kids run warmer than adults and if running around, they do not need to be over bundled. Just because you are cold, does not mean that they are,” she explains. “They just need a regular winter coat, snow pants, gloves or mittens, and boots. Waterproof is best. However, you should watch for significant redness of exposed areas and cover them if needed or bring them in for a little bit. Kids are good regulators and for the most part, will let you know if they are getting cold and need to come inside.”

Her biggest recommendation – “Let your kids go out and play! Sun and fresh air are much needed in the winter in Northern Maine.”

Shoveling
“It has long been known that snow shoveling can be hazardous to your heart. The American Heart Association notes that shoveling snow may place extra stress on the heart, especially among people who are not used to regular exercise. Research shows that many people may face an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest after shoveling heavy snow,” says Arthur Westermeyer, MD, a cardiologist at AR Gould. “Cold temperatures may contribute to the increased risk by constricting the arteries of the heart.”

And it isn’t just heart problems that can be a health concern. Back injuries are also common from exertion from shoveling or snow blowing.

Some basic shoveling tips from the National Safety Council include:

Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
Take it slow and stretch out before you begin.
Push the snow rather than lifting it.
If you do lift it, use a small shovel, and only partially fill the shovel.
Lift with your legs and not your back.
Do not work to the point of exhaustion. Take short breaks as needed.
Know the signs of a heart attack. Stop immediately and call 911 if your experiencing any of them.

Frostbite
“Even skin that is protected can be subject to frostbite. It's the most common injury resulting from exposure to severe cold, and it usually occurs on fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin,” says John Thyng, PA-C, medical director for the hospital’s Emergency Department.

Superficial frostbite affects the skin surface while the underlying tissue remains soft. The skin appears white, waxy, or grayish-yellow and is cold and numb. If the condition progresses to deep frostbite, all layers of the skin are affected and the outcome likely will be more serious. The skin will become completely numb, blisters may form and eventually the skin tissue dies and turns black.

John shares these tips if you suspect frostbite:

Move the person into a warm place and remove wet clothing.
Warm the frostbitten area in lukewarm water for 20-30 minutes only if medical care will be delayed and if there is no danger of the skin refreezing.
Do not use chemical warmers directly on frostbitten skin.
Protect and elevate the frostbitten area.
Seek medical attention if the frostbite seems more than superficial.

Hypothermia
Another common concern is cold winter weather is hypothermia, when the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees.

“Severe shivering, one of the first signs of hypothermia, helps keep the body warm. But as hypothermia progresses, shivering gives way to drowsiness or exhaustion, confusion, shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, loss of coordination and, eventually, unconsciousness and death,” explains Thyng.

He offers these tips for handling someone who may be suffering from hypothermia:

Check responsiveness and breathing, and call 911; except in mild cases, the victim needs immediate medical care.
Quickly move them out of the cold, remove wet clothing, and warm them with blankets or warm clothing.
Only if you are far from medical care, use active rewarming by putting them near a heat source and putting warm (not hot) water in containers against their skin.
Be very gentle with them and do not rub or massage their skin.
Give warm (not hot) drinks to them if they are alert and can easily swallow, but do not give alcohol or caffeine.

Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are more likely during the icy conditions of winter. This can be a life changing event, according to Heather Caron, MSPT, a physical therapist and director of rehabilitation services at the hospital, who has seen this happen all too often.

She offers this advice for limiting your risk:

Wear slip resistant footwear with good traction outside, and change your shoes when inside to avoid puddles from melting snow.
Keep your hands free; use a backpack to carry multiple items.
Step straight down from a curb rather than stepping out.
Be cautious exiting your car – if possible, plant both feet outside of car before standing.
Carry extra salt, sand, or cat litter to sprinkle on walkways and around your vehicle.
Take small steps.
Use handrails if available.
Take your time – both when walking and driving.

“There is a whole lot of fun to be had for people of all ages during the winter. So, I second Dr. Fournier’s advice, not just for kids but adults too – get outside and enjoy the fresh air,” says Roberts. “Take advantage of the opportunities all around you in whatever way works for you, while taking the steps needed to do so in the safest way possible.”

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