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Health & Fitness

How to Keep Your Family Safe This Winter: Winter Wellness

Kenneth R. Snyder, MD

Between holiday stress and plummeting temperatures, winter can bring along safety issues we don’t see during any other season. Kenneth R. Snyder, MD, family practitioner with Somerset Medical Center, answers some questions that are most frequently asked this time of year.

 

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Q: From shoveling snow to wrapping large gifts, I’ve been doing a lot of heavy lifting this season. How can I make sure I’m protecting my back?

A: If something is too heavy, don’t try to pick it up. Ask for help or break it into smaller loads. When you lift a large load, keep your back straight. Don’t bend over to pick up a parcel. Instead, lift from your legs and hips. Carry heavy items close to your body. Shift positions frequently. Distribute the weight of bags and briefcases equally on both sides. If you’re traveling this holiday season, choose luggage made of lightweight materials and with wheels, especially for plane trips. Plan carefully and pack only what you need. Seek help from your doctor for back pain that lasts longer than a few days or gets worse.

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Q: When temperatures drop, I find that my asthma flares up and my skin feels dry and itchy. What can
I do to protect myself all season long?

A: Winter’s cold air can irritate the airways. But the drying effect of forced indoor heat is a double risk — especially to people with asthma. Help prevent asthma flare-ups by using a humidifier, which puts moisture back into the air. Try to maintain an indoor humidity level of 50 percent. Harsh, dry air can also wreak havoc on skin. Keep skin healthy by taking brief showers with warm — not hot — water. Opt for gentle cleansers over deodorant soaps and, after bathing, apply a moisturizer when your skin is still damp. 

 

Q: How can I protect my children from frostbite?

A: Children are at a greater risk than adults for frostbite because kids lose heat more quickly. Frostbite happens when skin freezes from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Children’s hands, feet, noses and ears are most vulnerable to it. And severe forms of frostbite can cause permanent damage to children’s blood vessels, muscles and bones. Before your child heads out to build a snowman or wait for the school bus, make sure he or she is dry from any recent baths or showers. Dress your child in layers of moisture-reducing winter sportswear. Make sure he or she is wearing cotton, wool or synthetic socks and mittens and glove liners to help prevent inside layers from getting wet. Symptoms of frostbite include skin that appears pale, waxy, discolored or hard. Your child also may complain of numbness or pain. If you see these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

 

Q: Is it too late for me and my family to get our flu shots?

A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get the yearly flu vaccine as soon as it is available. Shots are usually available in the Somerset Medical Center community starting in September.  But, if you have not yet been vaccinated this season, a shot in December — or even later — can still help. It’s especially important for people who have asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease, pregnant women, and anyone older than age 65. Flu shots are available at doctor’s offices, urgent care clinics, pharmacies, health centers, and some schools and workplaces.

 

Q: I’ve heard that my heart attack risk increases when I’m shoveling snow. Is that true?

A: Yes, shoveling snow has long been linked to heart attacks. But a recent study suggests winter’s dangers affect even those who avoid outdoor chores. Researchers assessed death certificates and climate data from seven U.S. cities and regions. Regardless of the weather, both total and heart-related deaths increased between 25 and 36 percent in winter, compared with the summer months. When it’s cold outside, blood vessels may tend to constrict, raising your blood pressure. In these conditions, sudden exertion can trigger a heart attack. Even walking through a wet snowdrift places extra strain on your heart.
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