Princeton, W.Va. – With hunting season right around the corner, doctors are reminding hunters to practice safety while enjoying the sport.
While doctors say most hunting-related injuries are physical in nature, often caused by falling from tree stands, mishandling knives, or straining the back when pulling the animal, they also note that individuals who are not physically active may face increased heart risk, as a sudden spike in exertion can place added stress on the heart.
Cold weather can contribute, as the body tries to stay warm while exerting energy.
We spoke with WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital’s attending physician, who explained the key signs of heart problems to watch for
“Classic chest pain is what most would say, but you can also have arm pain, shoulder pain, jaw pain. Individuals can feel like they’re having trouble breathing,” said Doctor Steven Stefancic. “In certain populations we see upper abdominal pain as signs of chest pain. So, anything out of the ordinary if you’ve ever had a heart attack before and you’re feeling similar discomfort, that’s a huge red flag that you need to be evaluated.”
Dr. Stefancic also advises using common sense—dress appropriately, let your loved ones know where you are, and always be aware of the nearest hospital and emergency contact numbers.
Safety is key to making sure you enjoy a successful, injury-free hunting season.
Copyright 2024 WVVA. All rights reserved.