How long does it take for skin to freeze and avoiding heart attacks while shoveling

    I ran this item about frostbite on the Homegrown blog in January, but thought it was timely with today's blizzard in Iowa and a pending drop in temps. Also, new info today from the Iowa Department of Public Health on snow shoveling:

    Not much gardening happening in this weather. But no matter what takes you outdoors, precautions should be followed when it gets this cold.

  The Iowa Department of Public Health offered the following advice for cold weather safety:  

   According to the National Weather Service, with wind chills of 30 to 40 below zero, exposed skin could freeze within 10 minutes.   It is best to stay inside if possible, but if you must be outdoors during these extreme conditions, it is very important to protect yourself against frostbite.  Cover all skin, including hands, head and ears, neck and face, if going outdoors for any length of time, even if only for a few minutes.

   Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a grayish color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the skin, causing scarring, and severe cases can lead to amputation. Signs of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness. A person is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

   If you must be outside for any length of time, make sure you check yourself and your children for these signs. If your skin shows these signs of freezing, go into a warm place immediately. Warm up frozen/chilled skin by pressing against normal temperature skin (put frozen fingers in armpits). Do not massage frozen/chilled skin, do not rub with snow, or place hot items against skin as this could cause more damage. Seek medical attention if skin does not quickly return to normal color or pain occurs and continues.

  Shoveling injuries range from aches and pains to heart attacks

     As the state digs out from the first winter storm of the season, the Iowa Department of Public Health encourages Iowans to remember their health as they clear their driveways and sidewalks. “It's not uncommon for people to hurt themselves shoveling snow,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “People forget that shoveling puts a lot of stress on the body in a short amount of time. This can result in injuries ranging from minor aches and pains to fatal heart attacks.”

     While the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General counts 15 minutes of snow shoveling as moderate physical activity, it can be too demanding for some individuals. Those at most risk of a heart attack while show shoveling are individuals who had a previous heart attack, people with a history of heart disease, those with high blood pressure, smokers, and people who don't exercise on a regular basis.

Tips to follow for safe shoveling:

·         Use a smaller shovel

·         Use light weight plastic shovels rather  than metal shovels

·         Pick up smaller loads of snow. Shovel by sections.

·         Take frequent breaks, even if only for a couple of minutes

·         Stop and go inside if you become overheated or become too cold

·         Drink fluids

·         Don't try to fling snow long distances

·         Stop any time you feel pain

Warning signs that you should stop shoveling include shortness of breath, heavy sweating or pain. For more information about winter weather safety, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/winter_weather.asp

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