Top Winter Safety Tips

Whether you are a serious snow enthusiast or simply someone who bundles up indoors during the winter in Campbell County, Wyoming, it’s vital that you keep safety in the front of your mind. From heart attacks to winter sports injuries, knowing these tips can help prevent spending the rest of the winter months recovering.

Shovel Safely
Though it might seem like a routine part of winter, shoveling snow can put some at risk for a heart attack. Did you know that as winter sets in, the increase of heart-related issues rise? Moving snow with a shovel can lead to strain on the body, especially if you usually lead a pretty sedentary life. Not only that — cold weather can increase your blood pressure and raise cholesterol levels, making those already at high levels or over 65 years old at higher risk for a heart attack.

Remember these tips when shoveling snow:

• Stretch beforehand
• Lift with your legs, not back
• Take it slow, and don’t over pack the shovel
• Listen to your body, don’t over exhaust yourself

If you experience an extreme tightening in the chest, you’re out of breath, or you believe you are having a heart attack, stop immediately and call 911. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.

Mind The Roads
As the winter progresses, the number of car accidents also increases. In extremely cold weather, stay indoors if possible. If you do have to venture out, remember that not all icy roads are visible (thanks to the lovely Wyoming wind and blowing snow), so drive slowly and carefully to prepare for black ice. Leave enough room between you and the next car, and if your windshield wipers are on, your headlights should be, too.

Safely Enjoy Winter Sports
If you are a winter sports enthusiast, don’t forget to make safety your top priority. Be prepared and aware of all possible weather conditions that could impact your activities. Sunburns can still occur, so don’t forget your sunblock and lip balm, wear layers (this is where good long underwear comes in handy) and cover up with goggles, gloves, hats, and scarfs. Check all equipment to be sure it’s in good working condition and never let children partake in sledding, snowmobiling, or skiing without adult supervision.

The most common winter sports injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures, which often happen when people overexert themselves at the end of the day. To help keep you from seeing a doctor, or an orthopedic surgeon, make sure you stay alert and stop when you are tired or in pain.

No matter how prepared you are, accidents still can occur and the Campbell County Medical Group Walk-in Clinic is open 365 days a year, seven days a week to help with urgent injuries and non life-threating illnesses in Gillette, Wyoming. No appointment needed. We’re dedicated to getting you in, out and back to your life with compassionate care provided by our physicians and advance practice providers. And you can save your place in line at www.cchwyo.org/wic.