10 Deaths In Cook County Related To Shoveling Snow
CHICAGO (CBS) — Heavy snow and shovelers who aren't in shape can lead to death, reports CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot.
In Cook County, one woman and nine men died and the medical examiner says each person's death was connected to shoveling snow.
In DuPage County, three men collapsed and died while shoveling, according to the DuPage County coroner's office.
Many people have been digging out from more than 19 inches of snow left behind from the 5th largest snowfall in Chicago history. There are warning signs to watch for, so you know when to stop shoveling.
Pain, tightness or burning in your chest and shortness of breath are all symptoms that can be a sign of heart disease or reduced blood flow to the muscle.
Of the 10 snow shoveling related deaths, six people were in their 60s, three were in their 50s and one man was in his 40s
"It's a lot of physical exertion that goes in, especially that wet heavy snow, so treat it much like you would a workout," said Dr. Paul Casey of Rush University Medical Center. "If you're not someone that gets on the treadmill or has any sort of cardiac workout, this is about the biggest workout you have. You need to approach it that way."
So Dr. Paul Casey says that means you should literally stretch and warm up, before tackling the snow, with a shovel.
