The frigid air is upon us, when we must be prepared for ice and snowstorms. The following are a few tips to avoid winter-related health problems.

Remember when it is time to shovel snow, you may or may not be accustomed to physical exercise, but especially this form of exertion. Exercise usually involves isotonic exertion, or work with smooth movement occurring. Shoveling typically involves isometric exertion, or work with little movement occurring, such as straining or lifting. This form or exertion places a greater strain on the heart. A healthy heart will do all right, but a diseased heart may overexert, resulting in a heart attack which may be fatal. Cold air exposure and wind chill increases this risk.

As one ages, our bones become more brittle from a loss of calcium which occurs normally over time, particularly in women. Falling on the ice and snow is a common winter malady, and some simple tips can reduce this risk. Wear shoes or boots without slippery soles. Try to avoid going outside at all, but if you must, hold onto someone else or onto a stable object. Keep your center of gravity low (shorter distance to fall), your steps wide‑based , and take small shuffling steps without your feet leaving the ground. Spread something on the ground for friction, like sand. One can also purchase inexpensive cleats to attach to your boots to improve traction.

Each winter is replete with stories of people having their fingers or toes chopped off by snow‑removers. NEVER stick anything into a snow-blower that is on. Make sure it is off, the gas turned off, and then use some other object (not your fingers) to dislodge the offending item. A snow-blower should receive the same respect as a lawnmower or chainsaw.

Lastly, frostbite and hypothermia (the lowering of the internal body temperature) occurs with little warning. It takes only minutes to sustain frostbite damage to the skin if the temperature or wind‑chill is low enough. Waiting for a school bus is hazardous given all the wide‑open space around, allowing the wind to whip up the wind‑chill factor. Children when playing often don't realize how cold they have become until their hands and feet begin to hurt when thawing out. Parents should check on them frequently, have them well‑dressed, and bring them in for brief warm-ups in the house.