February 2018 Volume 24 Number 9
FREE
Find us on Facebook under our corporate name, “Pittsburgh Senior News.”
Be the first to know when news happens Send us your email address to pghseniornews@icloud. com and we will deliver our publication to your email box monthly.
Do you need help with Caregiving? * Visit our website at Pittsburghseniornews.com to view our 2018 Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide
Photo credit: depositphotos.com
Take precautions when snow shoveling; it can be dangerous and even fatal Whether you’re dealing with a light dusting or a blizzard, cleaning up snow can be a pain. It’s an everyday chore that’s deceptively dangerous. Every year, more than 100 people die shoveling snow. Even if it doesn’t kill you, 11,500 Americans end up in the hospital each year because of snow shoveling injuries.
The most significant danger of snow shoveling is the strain it puts on your heart, which can trigger a heart attack. Studies have shown that even using a heavy snow blower can be dangerous. The fact is that shoveling snow is very hard work. In shape or not, shoveling is incredibly strenuous and puts you at risk of heart attack.
Beyond fitness, the cold adds to the threat. Cold air can constrict blood vessels and decrease the amount of oxygen in the heart. Combine this with the strain of shoveling and you have a heart attack cocktail. If you’re older or have previous heart issues, you’re even Continued on page 4
* Turn to the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging for assistance. Download a copy of their caregiver guide at alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/About/Offices/AreaAgency-on-Aging.aspx.
Do you have an event to share? If you would like us to publicize an event in Allegheny County, send information by the 10th day of the month prior. All submissions will be reviewed and every effort will be made to run qualified submissions if page space is available. All submissions should be emailed to pghseniornews@icloud.com.