The most popular way to die in a snow storm claims 1,600+ in a 16 year span [View all]

[GreatGazoo]

In the wake of 9/11, every Mayor and Governor seems ready to jump at the chance to be the next Rudy "911" Giuliani. When the snow flies, they want to be in front of TV cameras, shutting things down, looking concerned and most of all, looking in charge. They tell people to stay home, which assumes that everyone has that choice or perhaps assumes that everyone IS already home but I have yet to hear one of them mention, let alone warn about, the number one way to die during a snow storm.

A study looking at data from 1990 to 2006 by researchers at the US Nationwide Children's Hospital recorded 1,647 fatalities from cardiac-related injuries associated with shovelling snow. In Canada, these deaths make the news every winter.

Cardiologist Barry Franklin, an expert in the hazardous effects of snow removal, believes the number of deaths could be double that. "I believe we lose hundreds of people each year because of this activity," says Franklin, director of preventative cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at William Beaumont Hospital, Michigan.
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Many people hold their breath during the hard work, which also puts a strain on the body. In addition, the prime time for snow clearance is between 6am and 10am which is when circadian fluctuations make us more vulnerable to heart attacks.
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"People at greatest risk are those who are habitually sedentary with known or suspected coronary disease, who go out once a year to clear snow," he says, adding that smoking and being overweight drastically increase the risk. If you must do it, push rather than lift the snow, dress in layers, take regular breaks indoors and don't eat or smoke before shovelling, he advises.

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-30119410

Buffalo alone has lost 4 people to shoveling so far this winter.

We need more awareness of this danger, and we need for city officials to stop telling us to shovel and on their timetable (eg "sidewalks must be cleared within 8 hours or fines issued&quot . It is just snow. It ain't going anywhere. Take your time.

- A friendly reminder from Gazoo