From CommonHealth
Debating Vitamin D: Leading Docs Still Wrangling On Best Dose For Patients
Globe on Snow Shoes for exercise. (It’s too deep to x-country ski.)
Strap on your snowshoes and head out. Snowshoeing is one of the best winter exercises for staying fit, says Matt Heid, a contributing editor and blogger for the Appalachian Mountain Club. The cardio workout burns 420 to 1,000 calories per hour, depending on the conditions, according to a study conducted by the University of Vermont. Here are a few trappings for the newbies and experienced, with tips from Heid.
From Our Bodies Ourselves:
What’s the Connection Between Snowfall in Boston and Health and Human Rights?
First, the health effects of extreme temperatures hit those with fewest resources — money, housing, safety, good health — hardest. It makes sense if you think about it: If you’re already sick, or living in a violent home or neighborhood, added difficulty getting around is much more serious than for healthy people who are safe at home.
Team Rubicon has begun to receive requests for assistance with emergency snow removal across eastern MA and southern NH, focusing on the elderly and those who are not physically able to remove snow. Many of these residents have found themselves unable to move to/from their homes, or are not able to receive critical heating oil deliveries, a potentially dangerous situation with temperatures dropping across the region.
We are currently collecting availability for volunteers to assist with snow removal this weekend for part of or all of these days: Friday, 2/20, Saturday, 2/21, and Sunday, 2/21. We plan to shovel snow to clear pathways and potentially rake snow from roofs to prevent structural damage or collapse.
We are working with a range of other organizations (FEMA, VOADs, and various cities and towns throughout the impacted areas) to assess needs. A decision on whether to deploy strike teams will also depend on weather and safety considerations. Based on the response to this form, we will determine the appropriate area(s) of operation and timing. We could potentially have teams located in multiple areas. We will provide an update NLT 2100 on Thursday, February 19 to those who register their availability.
Can’t join in these areas this weekend? No problem. You can still participate in the #TRBigDig to ensure that first responders are able to access fire hydrants to operate safely and effectively during emergencies and to clear storm drains to prevent flooding when the snow melts. Let us know you took part by checking in athttp://bit.ly/TRbigdig.
Boston Health News 