UNDATED (WKZO AM/FM) — It looks nicer outside than it really is. These colder than normal temperatures can cause frostbite in less than 30 minutes and exposure to bare skin should be limited.
That’s if you are normally healthy. If you have a chronic heart condition, it can be deadly. Cardiologists say resist the urge to go out and do rigorous exercise, whether it’s jogging, snow shoveling or winter sports.
They say the cold air can cause your veins to constrict and if you already have blockages, it can close them, creating life threatening problems. Just going out in the extreme cold can result in angina, or even heart attacks for that reason.
For anyone who is out of shape, you may not be a heart patient now, but you could soon become one in weather like this.
Michigan State Police are offering this advice as temperatures dip below zero. They say these extremely cold temperatures can be potentially health or life-threatening and offering a list of safety tips.
1. Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear protective gear, such as hats, mittens, gloves, scarf and a warm coat.
2. Avoid overexertion when shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. Take breaks frequently.
3. Watch for signs of frostbite, which include loss of feeling or pale appearance of fingers, toes or face.
4. Watch for signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and exhaustion.
5. Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body more rapidly and could lead to severe hypothermia.
6. Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.
7.Weatherproof doors and windows to trap heat inside your home.
8. Check heating units. Poorly operating or damaged heating units can release carbon monoxide gas. Test carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation and battery life.
9. Check on family, friends and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.
10. Watch pets closely and keep them indoors when possible. Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries.
11. If travel is necessary, keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Put warm clothing, such as gloves, blankets and hats, and a cell phone charger in your kit.
