Avoid a Winter Injury

Avoid Winter Injuries

by Vicki Salemi

Whether you injure your back shoveling the driveway or slip on ice walking to your car, the winter season brings hazards beyond the flu. Here's the 4-1-1 on how to correctly shovel the driveway without throwing your back out, navigate icy road conditions, prevent (and spot the signs of) hypothermia and frostbite and more.

Ferenc Kalmandy, AP

Hypothermia

"Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature cools to dangerously low levels. It happens when the body loses more heat than it can produce," says James Hubbard, M.D., M.P.H., and publisher, James Hubbard's My Family Doctor. His advice? Dress in layers, don't forget your hat and gloves and don't drink alcohol. "When you are cold, you body sends more blood flow to your core to keep your essential organs warm. Alcohol sends it to the skin, giving you a false sense of warmth while your vital organs may suffer."

Tim Boyle, Getty Images

Frostbite

Brrrrr. When it comes to frozen temps, blood vessels close to the skin start constricting. The combination of extreme cold and poor blood flow can cause severe tissue injury by freezing the tissue. Dr. Hubbard explains, "Cover your extremities and don't forget your nose and ears." Above all, limit the time spent outside. "The colder and windier, the less time should be spent outdoors.

Getty Images

Shoveling

It may seem innocent at the time since the goal is to rid your driveway of snow and not get in shape, but shoveling is still exercise. Joseph Borrelli, M.D., chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center advises, "Warm up first with stretching exercises, lift with legs not the back and no twisting motion." He also cautions against wet snow since it's heavier than powder. "Take smaller shovelfuls, take frequent breaks and stop if your back starts to hurt." Dr. Hubbard adds, "Buy an ergonomic light shovel and work close to your body."

Jens Meyer, AP

Dry Skin

It's almost inevitable colder winter months will result in dry, scaly skin. Experts like Dr. Hubbard recommend moisturizing. "Keep clean with quick showers, not those hot soaking baths. As soon as you finish bathing, cover yourself with a moisturizer. Don't forget you back and lower legs." He also advises investing in a humidifier for the bedroom and staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water.

Stockbyte

Finger Injuries

Let's face it: snow blowers certainly aid in snow removal but they're still pieces of machinery with warning signs. Dr. Holly Lucille, a Los Angeles-based licensed naturopathic physician, says, "If you're using a piece of equipment, do not be under the influence of alcohol or heavy medication. Never ever get in front of the snow blower – always stay behind it." Plus, be careful of scarves or loose fabrics that may get caught in the machine. Above all, your
hands should always be protected by wearing heavy gloves.

Chris Gardner, AP

Heart attacks

Dr. Lucille indicates people with heart conditions should be particularly aware of staying outside and shoveling too rigorously. "You don't have to take huge amounts of snow," she says. Dr. Paul Pepe, chair of ER medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, adds, "When your blood
vessels tighten because of the cold, the heart has to pump through together vessels. Look for the warning signs of chest pains or shortness of breath."

Getty Images

Sledding Injuries

What could be more fun that sledding down a snowy hill in the middle of winter, right? Dr. Lucille reminds us that good ol' fashioned fun may result in a visit to the emergency room. "Sled in an open area and not a wooden area. For utmost protection children should wear helmets." Plus, she recommends taking turns on the hill so you don't run into each other. Dr. Pepe adds, "There's no way to really stop and then you go flying off and get hurt. The best thing to do is go to control areas. I know it's less fun but you get what you pay for."

Victoria Arocho, AP

Skiing

Similar to sledding, the popular sport of skiing does not come without its warning signs. Sure, you may love to swoosh down the slopes but experts recommend dressing in layers, covering all the extremities, skiing in an open area without trees and being completely aware and prepared to take on the slopes. "Stay away from alcohol and definitely wear appropriate gear," says Dr. Lucille.

Jack Dempsey, AP Photo/Colorado Ski Country USA,

Falling indoors

Although falling indoors may occur any time during the year, extremely slippery conditions may be hazardous in your foyer or hallways thanks to ice, snow remnants and water that may drip from your boots. "Keep all services dry as guests enter and wipe areas down," says Dr. Lucille. "Post signs in the entry way or foyer – be careful signs."

Ryan McVay