Photo by : rebecca :

Photo by : rebecca :

A man who suffered a heart attack while shoveling snow has become the first reported casualty of the snowstorm in our region.

A resident of Fort Washington, Maryland died this morning, according to Prince George’s County Fire and EMS.

The county had previously shared advice and warnings about shoveling in the snow, explaining that exerting energy in cold temperatures can pose dangers to those with heart or high blood pressure problems.

Cold temperatures also will affect your health when shoveling. You will exert high energy when shoveling which will make you breath harder and more often. Deep and frequent breathing will result in inhaling colder air that will constrict your lungs and airways making the exchange of oxygen into your bloodstream difficult. When you venture outdoors this weekend wear clothing that will cover your mouth and nose.

Ask a neighborhood youth to clear your walks for you or be a good neighbor and clear the snow for your senior citizen neighbor.

If you experience signs and symptoms of a heart attack, which include, chest pains, difficulty breathing, heaviness on your chest, numbness in your neck and left arm, call 911 immediately.