Taylor Man Collapses, Dies While Shoveling Snow
TAYLOR (WWJ) - A Downriver man is dead after his heart gave out while he was shoveling snow.
According to the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office, 56-year-old Christopher Olech of Taylor collapsed while shoveling snow Thursday morning.
His official cause of death is listed as "heart disease."
Snowfall totals across the area ranged from under two inches up to a foot on Thursday, and studies show major snow storms are often associated with increased emergency room visits for everything from muscle aches to heart attacks — with snow shoveling as the common denominator.
Dr. Rob McCurdy, who works in emergency medicine at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, said some people should avoid shoveling all together.
"Particularly with older individuals, and anybody who has a heart history, they actually shouldn't probably be shoveling at all," McCurdy said. "So, either using a snowblower or getting some help to shovel for them."
McCurd says that — especially when show is heavy and wet — anyone who does shovel should drink lots of water and take frequent breaks.
The National Safety Council offers these additional tips to shovel safely.
- Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
- Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
- Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it's lighter
- Push the snow rather than lifting it
- If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
- Lift with your legs, not your back
- Do not work to the point of exhaustion
Those who experience any heart-related symptoms while shoveling should call 911.
