MU doctor: Take care when working in winter weather conditions

People are preparing for winter weather making its way into Missouri starting Friday.

And as snow begins to fall many will start to clear their driveways and properties of snow.

Christopher Sampson, an emergency medicine physician at University of Missouri Health Care, spoke Thursday about the dangers that can occur when working outside in the cold conditions, including the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

A winter storm warning is now in effect for much of central and southeast Missouri until midnight Saturday night. ABC 17 News Strormtrack meteorologists are predicting 5 to 7 inches of snow for most of the area.

According to the National Weather Service, frostbite occurs when the skin becomes cold enough to freeze. Symptoms to watch for include a loss of feeling and white or pale extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the nose.

Hypothermia can occur when body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Symptoms include becoming disoriented or confused, shivering uncontrollably, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.

Sampson said people may not realize they are developing symptoms.

Hypothermia can also occur indoors if someone is exposed to the cold for a long period of time.

“We may see it sometimes in elderly people who fall and lay on their floor all night because their family doesn’t come and see them until the morning or someone encounters them that way,” said Sampson.

He said people also need to consider their physical health and not just what the cold does to your body. He said hospitals see an increase in heart attacks this time of year when people are out working in the snow.

“People sometimes don’t realize how exertional it can be to shovel snow and they may not have done exercise for very long time or maybe very out of shape,” Sampson said. “And if you’re shoveling large quantities of snow it can put a stress on your heart.”

Sampson said homeowners should also consider their hydration when clearing sidewalks and driveways.

“If you’re exerting yourself doing things like shoveling snow or other strenuous activities you should be drinking water just as much as you would if it’s hot out,” he said.

Area residents should watch for all of these dangers when out in the snow this weekend. Sampson said anyone affected by these hazards has several options.

“The first thing to do if you feel like you’re developing frostbite or hypothermia is to come indoors to a warm environment,” he said. “If you’re having severe symptoms or you encounter somebody who’s unconscious or extremely cold, at that point the best bet is to call 911 and get medical help.”