Avoid Winter-Related Injuries: Dr. Rahul Khare

Chicago - Old Man Winter is finally here, and with the snow, ice and cold temperatures comes weather-related injuries. Dr. Rahul Khare, a Northwestern Medicine emergency room physician, joined us with some tips on how to stay out of the ER this winter.

Dr. Khare said cases of minor injuries such as bumps, bruises and sprains from slips and falls, as well as major injuries, such as hypothermia, are all very common this time of year.

Shoveling snow is a very strenuous physical activity that puts a high degree of stress on the heart and its circulation, Dr. Khare said. It has a profound effect on both the heart rate and blood pressure. In people with risk factors for heart disease, this activity may be putting them at risk for very serious heart problems including heart attacks. Each year, thousands of people are treated in emergency departments across the United States for heart attacks, strained muscles and other injuries related to snow shoveling. Dr. Khare recommended you pace yourself and don't work to the point of exhaustion. If you have a history of back or heart problems, have someone else shovel.

Dr. Khare also said the signs of frostbite are white or grayish-yellow skin, numbness and skin that feels firm or waxy. Hypothermia warning signs are, in infants, bright red and cold skin and very low energy, and in adults, shivering, drowsiness or exhaustion, confusion, memory loss or slurred speech.