As snow blanketed the tri-state region last night and today, heart health experts have shared warnings of the physical strain shoveling can take — particularly for older adults.

A 2025 Mayo Clinic review found that just 10 minutes of heavy snow shoveling can push the heart to about 97% of its maximum rate. Exposure to cold air was also found to increase blood pressure and reduce coronary blood flow (see related article, below).

While there isn’t an official age that’s “too old” to shovel, some cardiologists recommend that individuals over 45 should exercise more caution to lower their chances of a cardiac event.

The impact of snow removal is especially concerning for those with existing cardiovascular risks and a history of heart attack or stroke, according to cardiologists.

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Safety Tips from The Mayo Clinic News Network

Shoveling snow can mean taking on more than your body can handle. And ignoring signs that you need to take a break from shoveling may prove to be harmful. Here are some tips for safe snow shoveling:

• Be heart conscious.
• If you have a history of heart problems and are currently inactive, it’s best to speak with your health care provider before shoveling. Additionally, don’t shovel while smoking, eating or after consuming caffeine; this may place extra stress on your heart.
• Dress Warm.
• Wear several layers of clothing. You can always remove a layer if needed.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Remaining hydrated during cold-weather months is just as important as during warm-weather months.
• Warm up your arms and legs.
• Stretch your arms and legs before beginning to shovel. You are less likely to injure muscles when they are warm.
• Take it slow.
• Pace yourself and take breaks if you need to. Safety is more important than speed.Protect your back.
• Bend at the knees, not the back. Lift with your legs bent, stand with your feet hip-width apart for balance and keep the shovel close to your body. Also, don’t pick up too much snow at once; use a small shovel or fill up a large shovel no more than half way.
• Shovel while snow is fresh.Freshly fallen snow is lighter than snow that has started melting.
• Listen to your body.
• This is the most important snow shoveling tip. If something feels abnormal, or if you’re tired, it’s time to stop.
• If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

1. Keep your family members safe and comfortable
Make sure your family members know what to do when the power goes out. Family members are at risk of extreme cold or heat and storm dangers. Gather everyone into the part of your home that is most comfortable; in winter that is an inside room with few windows or doors that let in drafts. Dress appropriately, drink plenty of water and eat carefully to avoid foodborne illnesses. Give extra consideration to infants, toddlers, older people and those with medical conditions.

2. Use flashlights for lighting
If your power goes out at night, you will likely want some source of light quickly. Candles are a traditional choice, but they introduce the risk of fire. Flashlights and battery-operated lights and lanterns are a safer alternative.

3. Turn off or unplug your appliances
In prioritizing what to do in a power outage, start with protecting your expensive appliances and electronics. It doesn’t matter if the power is out for minutes or days, the risk of damage is the same.

4. Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed
The next thing in considering what to do in a power outage is to protect your perishable food. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed.

READ MORE TIPS

This week, February 8-14, is Cardiac Rehabilitation Week.

Cardiac rehabilitation is crucial for improving heart health, enhancing recovery after heart events, and preventing future heart problems.

Cardiac rehabilitation involves exercise training, emotional support and education about a heart-healthy lifestyle. Healthy lifestyle habits include eating a nutritious diet, managing weight and quitting smoking.

Cardiac rehab is done to improve health in those with a heart condition or a history of heart surgery. The goals of cardiac rehab are to:

• Improve recovery after a heart attack or heart surgery.
• Reduce the risk of future heart trouble.
• Prevent the heart condition from worsening.
• Improve quality of life.

Learn more from the Mayo Clinic

CLICK HERE to watch a video about cardiac rehab

The American Heart Association has set a goal of doubling the survival of cardiac arrest by 2030. We know that in order to save more lives from the 350,000 cardiac arrests that occur outside of the hospital every year, we must increase the number of people who respond to cardiac arrest by calling 911, delivering high-quality CPR and using an AED as soon as it is available.

In every cardiac emergency, the real first responder is not always a uniformed professional but often an everyday bystander. Cardiac arrest can strike anywhere – at the gym, in the grocery store, or during a child’s soccer game. However, bystanders only intervene about 40% of the time, often due to uncertainty or lack of training. You do not need medical credentials to save a life. What’s required is knowledge, courage, and the readiness to act. This reimagining of heroism challenges the community to see themselves as empowered agents of change – ordinary people with the extraordinary power to make every future moment possible for someone in crisis. Learn CPR today so you are ready and become a part of the Nation of Lifesavers.

Find a Heartsaver Training

CLICK HERE to watch a 60-second video

MEET THE AAHPO LIFESAVERS: CARDIOLOGY SPECIALISTS

Hrach Kasaryan, DO

Ani Nalbandian, MD, MS

Shant Manoushagian, MD

This past November, AAHPO hosted a successful fundraiser for the AAHPO, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian Medical Education Program. The AAHPO Board of Directors (BOD) issued this statement to donors regarding the program:

These are challenging times. The Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO) has been providing hands-on and virtual training to Artsakh physicians since 2011. We are committed to continue to do so as these physicians transition to work in Armenia. The need for these physicians, particularly in rural areas of Armenia, has never been greater. Accordingly, it is vital that with your assistance, we work to retain their services within Armenia and reduce the risk of them leaving the country.

We stand in solidarity with their valiant, tireless efforts to provide medical care to our Artsakh brethren, often under difficult circumstances. It is with deep sadness that we view the magnitude of the humanitarian crises as the Artsakh population moves to Armenia.

We are grateful for their safe arrival to Armenia, and we will continue to work on their behalf, seeking solutions to the myriad of challenges posed by war, the blockade, and now the forced exodus from Artsakh. With the help of our donors, AAHPO’s proven expertise, the dedication of our members, and the special kinship we have developed with these refugee physicians over the last decade, our goal is to address their short- and long-term needs.

With your assistance, we will do all we can to maximize their opportunities to be successful in Armenia.

This is the time of our greatest need. Please give generously as we work together to give the gift of hope for a healthy future to those in need.

With gratitude for all you do to help our community.

Below are a few photos from the fundraising event.

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS, CLICK HERE AND SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW PHOTO GALLERY