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Oh, the weather outside is frightful … Keep your family safe this winter 
Minnesota winters have a reputation for being cold and bitter, but warming up to these safety precautions can help you and your loved ones weather this winter with ease.Think twice about ice. Walking on ice can be hazardous. Keep sidewalks, steps and driveways free of ice by sprinkling rock salt on them. Do not walk or skate on frozen ponds or lakes unless you are absolutely certain the ice is solid and thick, and never leave children unattended on icy surfaces. Be smart with a shovel. Many people suffer back injuries as a result of shoveling snow. The American Physical Therapy Association recommends shoveling in the afternoon, when the body is warmed up and there is less fluid pressure in the back. Move smaller loads of snow, bend at the knees and lift with your legs, rather than your back. Take frequent breaks – stand up straight and walk around for a bit. Don't recruit young children to shovel; lifting heavy snow can strain their muscles. Already dealing with a back strain? Talk to your HealthEast clinician to see if HealthEast Optimum Rehabilitation can help. Bundle up. Everyone knows to wear winter clothes when it's cold, but don’t forget to dress in layers and cover all exposed skin. If you're going outside to have fun in the snow (such as on a snowmobile, snowboard, sled or skis), wear the proper protective gear and sunscreen. Be aware of signs of hypothermia and frostbite. See "Cold Weather Health Emergencies." Take precautions when traveling. There's a reason winter isn't a popular time for road trips – a blizzard can make roads treacherous and impossible to navigate. Pay attention to the National Weather Service's travel advisories and never drive in low-visibility conditions. Keep your car stocked for the season with a safety kit that includes a mobile phone, windshield scraper/brush, windshield wiper fluid and de-icer, water, high-calorie dried food, blankets, road maps, collapsible shovel, first aid supplies and a flashlight and batteries. Keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the fuel lines. If you get stranded, stay in your vehicle and call for help. Enjoy a winter wonderland Winter can be delightful if you know how to prepare for it. Use common sense and teach your family to mind the chills and thrills of the season. Find more winter safety and health tips on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site at www.cdc.gov.
Cold weather health emergencies
Hypothermia and frostbite can occur when the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Be alert to these warning signs, and seek medical care immediately if you suspect you or a loved one has been out in the cold too long. Hypothermia
Frostbite
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