Winter storms are a familiar part of life in International Falls, Minnesota, where prolonged periods of snow, ice, wind and extreme cold can affect nearly every part of daily life. A major storm is more than an inconvenience that closes roads or interrupts errands. Severe winter weather can create serious health hazards, particularly when residents must clear snow, remain outdoors in freezing temperatures, rely on alternative heating or power sources, or go several days without easy access to pharmacies and medical services.

For residents of International Falls, winter health preparation should begin before the first major storm arrives. A household that has medications, warm clothing, emergency food, carbon monoxide protection and a reliable communication plan in place is better positioned to handle a period when travel becomes difficult. People with heart disease, older adults, young children and anyone with limited mobility may need additional planning because cold exposure and storm-related disruptions can affect them more severely.

Residents should also monitor weather conditions before undertaking outdoor tasks. During a major storm, checking the International Falls winter storm warning today can help people decide whether it is safe to travel, shovel snow or remain outdoors. Weather information should be considered alongside individual health conditions and local emergency guidance.

Snow Shoveling and the Risk of Heart Attack

One of the most overlooked winter health dangers is strenuous snow removal. Shoveling may appear to be an ordinary household chore, but heavy snow can require substantial physical effort. The risk becomes greater when a person is working in very cold conditions, particularly if that person is not accustomed to vigorous exercise.

The American Heart Association warns that snow shoveling can place significant stress on the cardiovascular system. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which can raise blood pressure, while lifting and throwing heavy snow can rapidly increase heart rate and the heart's demand for oxygen. People may also hold their breath while lifting a heavy shovel, creating additional increases in blood pressure.

This combination can be particularly dangerous for people with known or suspected cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a history of smoking, obesity, or a previous heart attack or stroke. Older adults who are normally sedentary should be especially cautious about suddenly performing strenuous snow removal.

When possible, ask a healthier family member, neighbor or professional snow-removal service to clear heavy snow. If you are medically cleared to shovel and must do it yourself, start slowly, take frequent breaks and avoid lifting large amounts of snow at once. Pushing snow rather than repeatedly lifting and throwing it may reduce some of the physical strain. A snow blower can also change the physical demands of snow removal, although operating one still requires caution in extreme cold.

Never ignore symptoms that develop during or after snow removal. Chest pressure, chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, severe weakness, dizziness, fainting, unusual sweating or a racing or irregular heartbeat can signal a medical emergency. Stop the activity and seek emergency medical assistance rather than attempting to drive yourself to a hospital.

Recognizing Hypothermia Before It Becomes Life-Threatening

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the core body temperature to fall to a dangerously low level. Although it is often associated with people stranded outdoors, hypothermia can also develop indoors if heating fails, especially among older adults or people who cannot move around easily.

Early symptoms can include shivering, fatigue, cold or pale skin, clumsiness and difficulty concentrating. As hypothermia becomes more severe, a person may develop confusion, slowed reactions, poor coordination, slurred speech, unusual sleepiness or a decreasing level of consciousness. Importantly, severe hypothermia can eventually stop normal shivering, so the absence of shivering does not necessarily mean that a person is safe.

If someone appears to have hypothermia, move them into a warm environment as quickly and safely as possible. Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry layers or blankets. Focus warming efforts on the chest, neck, head and groin rather than aggressively heating cold extremities. If the person is awake and able to swallow, warm nonalcoholic drinks may help. Do not give alcohol as a warming treatment.

Severe hypothermia requires emergency medical attention. A confused, unconscious or severely weakened person should not simply be left to “sleep it off.” Call emergency services and follow instructions while waiting for assistance.

Frostbite: What It Looks Like and What to Do

Frostbite is another serious risk during International Falls winters. It occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, ears, cheeks and the nose. Wind, wet clothing and prolonged exposure can accelerate heat loss and increase the danger.

Early warning signs can include redness, pain, tingling or unusual sensitivity. As tissue freezes, the skin may become numb and appear white, grayish-yellow, firm or waxy. Because numbness can develop, a person may not realize how serious the injury is.

The first priority is to get out of the cold. If frostbite is suspected, move indoors and seek medical care. Do not rub or massage frozen skin. Do not place frostbitten tissue directly against a radiator, heating pad, fireplace or other intense heat source because numb tissue can burn without the person realizing it.

If immediate medical care is not available and there is no risk of the tissue refreezing, CDC guidance recommends warming affected areas in warm, not hot, water. Frostbitten feet and toes should not be walked on unless absolutely necessary because walking can increase tissue damage.

Frostbite can occur together with hypothermia, and hypothermia is the more immediately dangerous condition. Anyone showing signs of confusion, severe drowsiness, major weakness or other symptoms of hypothermia needs urgent medical attention.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning During Power Outages

Power outages create a different category of winter health danger: carbon monoxide poisoning. When electricity fails, some households turn to portable generators, grills, camp stoves or other fuel-burning equipment. These devices can produce carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

The CDC specifically warns that generators, grills and fuel-burning devices should never be operated inside a home, basement, garage or camper. A generator also should not be operated outside near an open window, door or window air-conditioning unit because exhaust can enter the building.