While injury and illness can happen at any time of year, there are a few threats that come with the season – especially its cold, inclement weather. You can help avoid an emergency by being prepared. Before the long winter sets in, winterize your home, learn to layer your clothing for extra warmth, and boost your immune system with a flu shot, the pneumococcal vaccine and multi-vitamins.
Q: What weather issues should I be prepared for?
A: New York’s cold winter can impact your daily life before you even realize it, and that can be dangerous. Here are some of the top reasons for emergency room visits that often can be prevented:
Smoke inhalation, burns and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you rent in New York City, as many residents do, you may often have building issues related to poor heat or maintenance. A portable heater may seem like a quick fix; however, both electric and kerosene space heaters come with an added risk. If not used properly, these heaters can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, burns and fires.
Prevent it by installing and maintaining carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Test the batteries in your detectors annually, and change the batteries every year, or sooner if needed. Also, talk to your landlord before winter about any heating, insulation or winter safety concerns.
Hypothermia and frostbite. Winter is not the time to make a fashion statement. Underdressing, or stepping outdoors after you’ve been sweating or while your hair is still wet can quickly lead to hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature) and frostbite.
Prevent it by layering your clothes. Pile on the layers just before you go outside. A warm hat will protect your head, as it loses heat faster than other body parts, especially in children. Warm gloves and waterproof boots also will help prevent frostbite in your fingers and hands, which have poorer circulation than other parts of the body.
Heart attack. Many of us are weekend warriors; we exercise by pushing the button on our remote controls, and then overdo it shoveling snow or ice in the winter. When combined with the stress of cold weather, it can cause a heart attack.
Prevent it by keeping your heart healthy year-round with diet and daily cardiovascular exercise. When your heart is conditioned, activities like shoveling or chipping ice off the sidewalk won’t overstress it.
Sprains, strains and breaks. Slipping on the snow and ice also leads to ankle, leg, wrist and arm sprains and breaks.
Prevent it by wearing weather-appropriate shoes and boots. No high heels, no sandals. Flat shoes with traction are best in the ice and snow. Also, pay attention to your surroundings when outdoors, including the temperature, snow, ice, and other pedestrians, cars and bicycles on the road.
Q: Winter is cold and flu season. What can I do to fight back?
A: New York City is a germ hub. We all use public services like taxis, buses and trains. Simple things like getting a flu shot will help keep you healthy. Anyone in your family six months and older should receive the vaccine. If you have senior family members, the Pneumovax vaccine can help ward off pneumonia.
Washing your hands and using hand sanitizer also can protect you from the cold and other viruses, and keep you out of the hospital. Teach your kids to do the same. Lastly, remember to stay home when you or your kids are sick. You have to pay attention to your own health and the health of others.
Q: How do I know whether to see my primary care physician or head to the ER?
A: If you are severely ill or have physical pain that can’t wait for an appointment, you should go to the emergency room. Call your doctor if it’s not a life-threatening situation; he or she can help you decide when you’re unsure of whether to go to the hospital or not. Priority is given to the sickest patients in the emergency room. Life-threatening illnesses, like a heart attack, come before everything else, but the goal is always to see every patient as fast as possible.