As several winter storms are expected to bring freezing rain, sleet and snow across the U.S., the National Weather Service reminds people to be safe and prepare in advance to ensure personal safety and well-being. 

As hospital emergency rooms have historically seen an influx of weather-related injuries with each winter storm, it is important to be adequately prepared to reduce the risk of medical emergencies. 

Dr. David Nestler, a Mayo Clinic emergency medicine physician, says falls are among the most common emergencies. 

"The snow and ice make it easy to slip and fall. We see many, many broken bones because of that," he says. Weather-related vehicle accidents, heart attacks triggered while shoveling snow, and exposure injuries, like frostbite, also send many people to emergency rooms.

Stock up on supplies

Give yourself more time than usual to prepare emergency food, water and medicine supplies. Be mindful when heading out if in-person shopping is your only choice. Try to stock up on what you may need, recognizing that if your electricity goes out, shelf-stable options are essential. 

Consider making a menu in advance of shopping, such as a "3-day plan to eat from a can."

Also don't forget to get a first-aid kit and supplies together, including a two-week supply of prescriptions, over-the-counter medication and hand sanitizer, along with bandages and gauze, antibiotic cream or ointment, and sun block. And don't forget about what you need for your children, elder relatives and pets. 

Cover up outside and bring appropriate gear

Avoid prolonged exposure to winter weather. This can help in also preventing frostbite, a very serious condition, especially for people who live at a higher altitude, smoke, have a blood vessel disease such as diabetes, or are dehydrated or fatigued. 

To help prevent frostbite, dress warmly, in several layers, and make sure you cover your ears, face, head and nose when outdoors. Always opt for closed-toe shoes or boots. 

Pack your car with winter storm survival gear, such as blankets, flashlights, matches and an extra change of clothes, in case of emergency.

Injury-free snow shoveling

Shoveling is certainly a workout, but it's an activity that can lead to slips, falls, muscle pulls and more. 

If you're inactive and have a history of heart trouble, consider having someone else take on the task of shoveling snow. Heart attacks increase significantly in the winter months, particularly while people are shoveling snow.

Consider these tips: 

• Do not shovel while eating or smoking. Avoid caffeine or nicotine before you begin shoveling. This may place extra stress on the heart.

• Warm up your muscles in your arms and legs. Walk for a few minutes and stretch your arms and legs before shoveling. Warm muscles are less likely to be injured and work more efficiently.
• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as possible when you exert yourself in cold winter months as it is in the summer.
• Take it slow! Pace yourself and take breaks. Keep a cellphone handy in case of emergency.
• Don’t pick up too much snow at once. Use a small shovel, or fill it only one-fourth to one-half if you use a large shovel. If necessary, just push the snow as you shovel. It is easier on your back. Keep the load of snow as close to you as possible.
• Protect your back and shoulders. Bend from the knees, not your back. Lift with your legs bent, stand with your feet about hip-width for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Try not to twist. If you move the snow to one side, move your feet to face the direction the snow will be going.
• Clear snow as soon as it stops falling. Freshly fallen snow is lighter.

As with any natural disaster, it's important to heed the advice of local authorities regarding storm-related conditions. Do not venture out unless it's necessary. But, Dr. Nestler says, "If you begin feeling unwell, especially if you have chest pain, are dizzy or lightheaded, seek medical attention by calling 911."

The post Staying safe during a major winter storm  appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Much of the U.S. is facing severe winter storms and subzero temperatures. And one of the first concerns, if you're outdoors, should be frostbite.

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. First your skin becomes very cold and red, then numb, hard and pale. Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Exposed skin in cold, windy weather is most vulnerable to frostbite. But frostbite can occur on skin covered by gloves or other clothing.

Signs and symptoms of frostbite include:

• At first, cold skin and a prickling feeling
• Numbness
• Red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
• Hard or waxy-looking skin
• Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness
• Blistering after rewarming, in severe cases

But frostbite isn't the only danger in the bitter cold. There are other serious health conditions to be worried about in frigid temperatures.

Dr. David Nestler, a Mayo Clinic emergency medicine specialist, says hospital emergency departments see an influx of weather-related injuries with each snowstorm. He reminds the public about the dangers of frostbite and other health problems and he says falls are amongst the most common emergencies. "The snow and ice make it easy to slip and fall,"  says Dr. Nestler. "We see many, many broken bones because of that." Weather-related vehicle accidents, heart attacks triggered while shoveling snow and exposure injuries, such as frostbite, also send more people to emergency rooms.

Watch: Dr. Nestler discusses the danger of cold weather.

Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites with Dr. Nestler are in the downloads at the end of the post. Please "Courtesy: David Nestler, M.D. / Emergency Medicine / Mayo Clinic."

Related post:
Mayo Clinic Minute: Why the risk of frostbite is greater than you think

_____________________________________

For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a nonpatient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.

The post Frosty grip brings frostbite fears and other weather-related worries appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

The post Frosty grip brings frostbite fears and other weather-related worries appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Click on the links below to see previous Mayo Clinic News Network posts:

• Fearful of Frostbite?
• Winter's Severe Cold Snap Calls for Extra Dose of Caution
• Slipping, Sliding and Snow Shoveling Season
• Winter Health: Common Sense Decisions and Smart Preparations

Here are some tips from physicians at Mayo Clinic Health System for injury-free snow shoveling:

• If you're inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor — stop if you feel tightness in your chest. Heart attacks increase significantly in the winter months, particularly while people are shoveling snow.
• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as possible when you exert yourself in cold winter months as it is in the summer.
• Dress warmly. Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed.
• Do not shovel while eating or smoking. Avoid caffeine or nicotine before you begin shoveling. This may place extra stress on the heart.
• Warm up your muscles in your arms and legs. Walk for a few minutes and stretch your arms and legs before shoveling. Warm muscles are less likely to be injured and work more efficiently.
• Take it slow! Pace yourself and take breaks. Keep a cell phone handy in case of emergency.
• Don’t pick up too much snow at once. Use a small shovel, or fill it only one-fourth to one-half if you use a large shovel. If necessary, just push the snow as you shovel. It is easier on your back. Keep the load of snow as close to you as possible.
• Protect your back. Bend from the knees, not your back. Lift with your legs bent, stand with your feet about hip width for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Try not to twist. If you move the snow to one side move your feet to face the direction the snow will be going.
• Clear snow as soon as it stops falling. Freshly fallen snow is lighter.
• Most importantly – listen to your body! Stop if you feel tired.

The post Keep Safe During a Major Winter Snowstorm appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Here's the Mayo Clinic Radio Podcast.

The post Diabetes Update/Calcium and Bone Health/Cold Weather Safety: Mayo Clinic Radio appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Earlier this month, the CDC reported that between 2008 and 2014, the number of new cases of diabetes in the U.S. declined by 20 percent. And, while that was good news, the report also explained that the number of American adults with diabetes has quadrupled since 1980. On the next Mayo Clinic Radio, diabetes specialist Dr. Robert Rizza discusses the diabetes epidemic. Also on the program, recent conflicting studies about the value of calcium in maintaining bone health in older adults have caused confusion. Endocrinologist Dr. Bart Clarke sorts through the details and offers recommendations for calcium intake. And with the official start of winter just around the corner ... emergency medicine specialist Dr. David Nestler has tips on cold weather safety.

Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Diabetes is irreversible: Once you've been diagnosed, you'll always have it.

Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeartRadio.

Listen to the program at 9:05 a.m. CT, Saturday, December 12 and follow #MayoClinicRadio.

Access archived shows.

Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Diabetes Update/Calcium and Bone Health/Cold Weather Safety appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Myth or Matter-of-Fact: Diabetes is irreversible: Once you've been diagnosed, you'll always have it.

Listen to the program at 9:05 a.m. CT, Saturday, December 12.

Miss the show?  Here's the Mayo Clinic Radio podcast.

Follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions.

Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeartRadio.

Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic.

Access archived shows.

The post Mayo Clinic Radio: Diabetes Update/Calcium and Bone Health/Cold Weather Safety appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Slowing down, exercising caution and wearing the proper winter clothing, Dr. Nestler says, will greatly reduce your risk of injury in most situations. With many northern states caught in the grip of sub-zero temperatures this week, Dr. Nestler offers additional insights on frostbite's warning signs and when to seek medical care in this video.

Journalists: Broadcast quality video of Dr. Nestler's comments and b-roll of people out in the extreme cold are available in the downloads. To see a transcript of potential sound bites, click here.  To schedule an interview with Dr. Nestler, contact Kelley Luckstein, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005 or newsbureau@mayo.edu

The post Winter’s Severe Cold Snap Calls for Extra Dose of Caution appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.