Captain: Take proper precautions to prevent heart attacks
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ALPENA -- If you begin to experience symptoms of a heart attack while doing outdoor chores this winter, call 911 and don't shrug off the message your body is sending you.
That is the message Captain Andy Marceau, of the Alpena Fire Department is sharing with people who may be out shoveling, snowblowing, or chipping ice from their driveways and sidewalks.
Marceau said shoveling heavy snow and ice, like what the area received earlier this week, can be very strenuous on people who are older or out of shape and unhealthy. He said there are simple precautions people can take to help prevent having heart attacks before they go outdoors to clean their property.
He said shoveling in the morning isn't wise because most heart attacks occur first thing in the morning, when your blood is most likely to clot. He recommends people give themselves time to get up and moving before going out and grabbing the shovel. It will also give the sun a chance to warm up things a bit.
Marceau said doing some simple stretches before shoveling or snowblowing is also a good idea because the constant motion of scooping snow is a workout and strenuous.
He also recommended that people should cover their mouth with a scarf, which will help them inhale warmer air and can help avoid respiratory problems. Another tip is to shovel in shifts. If you need a rest, take a rest. Taking 15 minute breaks can help lessen the load on your heart.
Mareau said it is important for people of any age, male or female, to be wary of symptoms indicating they could be having a heart attack, or other medical ailments. He said it is best to err on the side of caution and seek medical treatment. He said too many times he has seen people suffer a heart attack and die because they didn't take the symptoms seriously.
Marceau said heart attack symptoms for women can also be different than those for men. He said a woman who is experiencing shortness of breath, a backache, nausea and stomach pain should also seek medical help.
"Take the warning signs seriously. If you are experiencing chest pains, numbness in your jaw, or numbness going down the left arm, you could be having an active heart attack," he said. " Don't go into denial mode. Get help right away. If people would take the warning signs seriously, there would still be many people here today that died of a heart attack."
Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.