Snow: more than mess, health concern
Updated: February 22, 2013
CHAMPAIGN -- People all over Central Illinois are cleaning up Mother Nature's mess, and it's sending shovelers to the hospital. Heart clinics in the area have been working overtime the past 24-hours with the snow causing serious cardiac problems. WCIA-3's Megan Brilley finds out why it's called "heart attack snow."
It has to do with the consistency. There's so much ice and water mixed in, it's a lot heavier to lift. Now, doctors are warning everyone picking up a shovel.
"How many snowstorms have you had to shovel?"
"Probably 50."
Roger Cler spent most of his day trying to find his driveway.
"I've lived here for about 25-years. I don't really mid it. I like snow. Just get up and do it."
But, as Cler and his neighbors started shoveling, they noticed they were getting a bit more of a workout than usual.
"I like it like this because it sticks together and you can get a lot of it. But, it is heavier, so I'm sure you have to be a lot more careful."
During the winter months, cardiologist Morteza Farasat says snow shoveling is one of the biggest reasons people visit the E.R.
"There's definitely a trend. It was toward the end of the day when things started picking up, so a lot of those patients are being seen by my colleagues."
Before you pick up a shovel, ask your doctor. If they OK it, bundle up. Cold weather alone makes your heart work overtime. If you feel pressure in your chest, stop.
"I just make sure I'm feeling okay when I'm doing it."
"If there's any question about it, don't do it."
Doctors say, if you experience a sharp, knife-like pain in your chest while shoveling, don't push through it. Throw the shovel down and see your doctor.
Public works is making businesses in Champaign and Urbana clear their sidewalks. It applies to downtown and campus areas.
Businesses in Champaign have until 10:15 Sunday morning to remove snow. Those in Urbana have until 1 pm Saturday afternoon. If businesses fail to comply, city workers will remove the snow and ice at the owner's expense.
It has to do with the consistency. There's so much ice and water mixed in, it's a lot heavier to lift. Now, doctors are warning everyone picking up a shovel.
"How many snowstorms have you had to shovel?"
"Probably 50."
Roger Cler spent most of his day trying to find his driveway.
"I've lived here for about 25-years. I don't really mid it. I like snow. Just get up and do it."
But, as Cler and his neighbors started shoveling, they noticed they were getting a bit more of a workout than usual.
"I like it like this because it sticks together and you can get a lot of it. But, it is heavier, so I'm sure you have to be a lot more careful."
During the winter months, cardiologist Morteza Farasat says snow shoveling is one of the biggest reasons people visit the E.R.
"There's definitely a trend. It was toward the end of the day when things started picking up, so a lot of those patients are being seen by my colleagues."
Before you pick up a shovel, ask your doctor. If they OK it, bundle up. Cold weather alone makes your heart work overtime. If you feel pressure in your chest, stop.
"I just make sure I'm feeling okay when I'm doing it."
"If there's any question about it, don't do it."
Doctors say, if you experience a sharp, knife-like pain in your chest while shoveling, don't push through it. Throw the shovel down and see your doctor.
Public works is making businesses in Champaign and Urbana clear their sidewalks. It applies to downtown and campus areas.
Businesses in Champaign have until 10:15 Sunday morning to remove snow. Those in Urbana have until 1 pm Saturday afternoon. If businesses fail to comply, city workers will remove the snow and ice at the owner's expense.
