When Snowfall Becomes a Health Hazard

Kashmir’s snowy winters are beautiful but come with hidden dangers. With more snowfall expected, icy roads and freezing temperatures pose serious health risks. We need to raise awareness about essential health precautions during snowfall and Chillai Kalan. Many incidents such as fires, falls, heart attacks, and accidents can be effectively prevented with proper care. Here are five common winter health issues and tips to stay safe.

1. Falls ( Overwhelming patients with fractures in hospitals)

Snow-covered and icy surfaces are a major culprit behind fractures and sprains in winter. Hospitals, especially the Bone and Joint Hospital, are witnessing an overwhelming influx of patients with broken legs, arms, and other injuries caused by slips and falls.

Prevention Tips:

• Wear anti-slip shoes or boots with good grip.
• Walk in small, cautious steps, keeping your hands free for balance.
• Avoid icy slopes and use handrails where available.
• Only step out when necessary, preferably during midday when ice has softened.

2. Heart Attacks ( Ignored usually)

Cold weather puts additional strain on the heart, especially for hypertensive and diabetic individuals. The season has seen an increase in heart attacks and worsening of coronary artery diseases. The body’s response to cold, including raised blood pressure and constricted blood vessels, increases the risk.

Prevention Tips:

• Stay warm by layering up and covering your head, hands, and feet.
• Avoid overexertion, especially during tasks like snow shoveling.
• Maintain regular monitoring of blood pressure and sugar levels.
• Seek medical help immediately if symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or dizziness occur.

3. Fires (Very much preventable)

The harsh winter often forces people to rely on heating appliances like gas heaters, coal bukharis, and electric blankets. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of fire incidents caused by faulty wiring, power cuts, fluctuations, unattended appliances, or overloading.

Prevention Tips:

• Ensure proper ventilation when using coal or gas heaters to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Regularly inspect and maintain heaters and electrical connections.
• Turn off all heating appliances when leaving the room.
• Never place electric blowers under blankets and use electric blankets with caution.
• Avoid using electric blankets and hot water bottles together.
• Check that water pipes supplying geysers are not frozen; turn off the geyser if the water supply is frozen.
• Use kangris with caution and never leave heating appliances unattended.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or sand nearby for emergencies.

4. Shovelling (with caution)

Shovelling snow, though necessary, can be physically demanding. Many individuals report muscle sprains, back injuries, and even heart strain while clearing driveways and paths.

Prevention Tips:

• Warm up your muscles with light stretching before starting.
• Use a lightweight shovel and push snow instead of lifting whenever possible.
• Take frequent breaks and hydrate to avoid exhaustion.
• Avoid heavy meals or smoking before shoveling, as these increase strain on the heart.
• Be careful about the snow falling from the rooftops.
• If you are a heart patient or have comorbidities, SIMPLY DON'T DO IT.

5. Car Accidents (Drive sensibly)

Slippery roads combined with inexperience in driving on icy surfaces have led to a spike in car accidents. Black ice and reduced visibility further complicate the situation, posing risks to drivers and pedestrians alike.

Prevention Tips:

• Deflate the tires and chains can be chains for added safety.
• Drive slowly and maintain a greater distance between vehicles.
• For long routes, keep an emergency kit in your car, including a blanket, flashlight and first-aid supplies.
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns; use low gears on slopes.
• If you have not experience in driving on snow or you are not confident, SIMPLY DON’T DRIVE