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\nA recent winter storm has left Kentucky with a blanket of snow, with many people looking to grab their shovels and clear out a path, health officials are warning people about the risks.<\/p>\n
\nA recent winter storm has left Kentucky with a blanket of snow, with many people looking to grab their shovels and clear out a path, health officials are warning people about the risks.<\/p>\n
According to UK Healthcare, clearing snow is a risk factor for heart attacks. The combination of colder temperatures, which can restrict blood flow and increase blood pressure, and an uptick in physical exertion, puts a strain on the heart and can increase the risk of a heart attack.<\/p>\n
To help keep you safe and minimize risk, officials recommend the following precautions:<\/p>\n
Individuals over the age of 55, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful
\nIf you have heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor\u2019s permission
\nDo not shovel after eating or while smoking
\nPace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up just like you would before any exercise.
\nPush the snow as you shovel and do not pick up too much at once. Lift with your legs bent, not your back.
\nDo not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, head inside and take a break.
\nCover your face and mouth with a scarf. Inhaling cold air can constrict your arteries and increase your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of a heart attack.<\/p>\n
People facing the risks aren\u2019t sure what is wrong and could wait too long before getting help.<\/p>\n
If you experience any of the warning signs below, contact emergency medical services immediately.<\/p>\n
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
\nDiscomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
\nLike men, women\u2019s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea\/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
\nSource: WBKO<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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