snow blowing

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Winter Safety Tips

This morning’s bright sunshine on the dusting of snow while beautiful, is deceiving.  The temperature at 9 a.m. in Gloucester MA was only 4º!  Todays  weather forecast predicts a high of 18º.

‘Polar Vortex.’  The National Weather service describes this as “a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. It ALWAYS exists near the poles, but weakens in summer and strengthens in winter.”

The Bright Side. I actually feel lucky, considering what parts of the midwest are enduring  – dangerously cold temperatures of subzero, up to 40º below with the wind chill factor in some areas. Many businesses and schools are closed. At 40º, exposed skin can suffer frost bite within 5 minutes of exposure.

Check on Elderly Family and Neighbors. Being outside or even in a cold house can lead to hypothermia, a body temperature of 95°F or lower. Hypothermia can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver disease or even death. Cold weather extremes are especially detrimental for children, the elderly and anyone with cardiac and pulmonary disease. If you have underlying health issues, talk to your doctor about winter safety. Here are steps to lower your chance of getting hypothermia from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” — Mark Twain

My Weather Prediction – More snow to come. 🙂 Fortunately, last night’s squall only brought a dusting of snow on Cape Ann, but winter is not over yet. Here are some safety tips for shoveling and safe snow blowing for the next snow storm. Call a snow plowing company now to schedule their service. By the time a snow storm arrives, they might be fully booked! 

Do you have a favorite snow plow company? Let GMG know. 

Safety Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep you safe in these extreme weather conditions.

Traveling in Winter. Today is a good day to stay indoors, relax and enjoy a cup of hot tea, but If you do have to get out in the cold or travel, here are some Tips for Traveling in Cold Weather. 

During Extreme Weather. If possible stay indoors and enjoy a cup of tea, otherwise follow the safety guidelines from the CDC, NIH and your physician.

The Good News – Spring is only 48 days away! 


~ Karen Pischke

Sources and More Information:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • National Safety Council
  • National Weather Service
  • Weather Underground

 

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, Alumnus CCRN, Author, Speaker, Nurse Researcher, Photographer. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit. Karen is a registered nurse with a background in critical care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac risk factor reduction, wellness and integrative healthcare. Incorporating a collaborative, integrative approach, Karen strives to educate, advocate for, and empower you in your healthcare goals. Providing evidence-based integrative healthcare services and self-care tools that are safe as well as effective at improving overall health, happiness and wellbeing. www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Instagram and Facebook

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

 

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Use Caution in the Snow

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

Another Winter Storm for Gloucester and Cape Ann. Be careful out there!

SNow Storm

Stay off streets as much as possible so the plows can do their job. Shovel out fire hydrants from the snow.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors – Check-in on those that are ill or elderly.

Today’s snow is wet and heavy, creating increased risk of injury and heart attack for those shoveling. Hire a plow or a neighbor to help. If you do have to shovel or use a snow blower, follow the safety tips in the link below.

Snow Storm

Be Careful Driving and Walking in the Snow.

If you have to get out, drive slow. Use extra caution. Wear sturdy boots with good traction and bright colors for visibility. Be safe and walk with grace.

Avoid Heart Attack and Injury. People with heart, lung and other illnesses should ask their physician for advice and recommendations before shoveling or snow blowing.

 

Some tips from the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:

Continue reading →

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Safe Snow Shoveling and Snow Blowing Tips

Dreamtime Wellness ™ Photo copyThe birds are singing a joyful song today! Gloucester and   Cape Ann are buried under a blanket of snow, but also lucky!

Neptune has blown through and with less snow and wind than originally predicted,   the snow is light, and today we have sunshine and blue sky.

As many people begin to venture outside and begin to unbury homes and cars, be careful out there! With high snow banks     and limited side walks, visibility is limited. If you have to get out, drive slow! Walk safe and wear bright colors. Hopefully, it will be ‘business as usual’ soon. In the meantime, stay safe and warm!

GMG Gloucester Buried

Extra precautions are needed during extreme temperatures.With subzero temperatures and severe wind chill, there is added risk  for frost bite and heart attack.

People with heart, lung and other illnesses should ask their physician for advice and recommendations before shoveling or snow blowing.

Avoid Heart Attack and Injury

Here are some tips from the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Affiliate/Shoveling-Snow-Health-Hazards_UCM_426562_Article.jsp

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00060

People at Increased Risk 

  • Have had prior heart attack
  • Have heart or lung disease
  • Have cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and tobacco use
  • Haven’t been exercising

Ask for Help if You Are at Increased Risk

Whenever possible, seek the help of family, friends, neighbors or professional snow removal companies! Check on elderly and ill neighbors to be sure they are safe.

If you do venture outside –

  • Dress appropriately; cover skin
  • Limit your time outdoors
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol
  • Drink appropriate amounts of water to stay hydrated
  • Wait at least 90 minutes after eating before exerting yourself

GMG Meters .jpg

Be Safe!  When shoveling/snow blowing or exerting yourself outdoors follow the advice of your physician, physical therapist or chiropractor and check out safety tips (above links) from the American Heart Association and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Remember – Patience, Kindness, and Neighborhood Support Go a Long Way in Times Like These. We’re All in This Together.   ~ Karen Pischke BSN, RN

GMG Mill River Frozen jpg.edited copy

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects.  The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.