Monday, March 10, 2008

Health Tips for March 10

Health Tip: Safe Snow Shoveling

Along with winter weather comes the possibility of shoveling heavy snow.

Here are some snow shoveling suggestions, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

* People who have had a heart attack, or who have been diagnosed with heart problems, shouldn't shovel snow without a doctor's permission.
* People who rarely get physical activity should be especially careful.
* Snow shoveling is exercise -- warm up, stretch out, cool down and don't strain yourself too much. Stop immediately if you feel pain in your chest, or you're getting out of breath.
* Avoid eating a big meal or smoking right before shoveling.
* Be extra careful with wet snow that has been on the ground for a while. Try to shovel when it has just fallen and is likely to be more light and powdery.
* Push the snow instead of lifting and carrying it. When you do have to lift the shovel, lift with your legs instead of your back.

Health Tip: Cell Phone Safety

Cell phone use is a common cause of accidents while driving. In some states, it's illegal for a driver to use a cell phone without a hands-free device.

The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department offers these safety suggestions to help reduce accidents caused by cell phone use:

* Use a hands-free accessory whenever possible.
* Don't risk an accident trying to reach your phone. Store it in an accessible place, but don't answer it if you can't reach for it safely.
* Memorize your keypad, speed dial and other functions so that you can pay attention to the road while using your phone.
* Don't talk on your phone while driving through construction zones, heavy traffic, bad weather or other situations that require your full attention.
* Plan your calls around your trip. Call once you're safely in your lane on the interstate, rather than making a call as you're trying to merge into traffic.

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