As central Illinois awaits winter weather, health experts are reminding people to be smart when it arrives.

Clearing a driveway of snow and ice might sound simple, but it sends people to the emergency room — and even kills people — each year.

According to our news partners at WAND TV, the cold temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia if someone is exposed to winter weather for too long. But heart attacks are a hidden danger lurking in the snow since it’s so easy for people to overexert themselves if they don’t normally exercise.

“Listen to your body,” said Dr. Ling Twohig, an interventional cardiologist with Memorial Health. “If you start to feel [like you’re] huffing and puffing, your body will tell you ‘I need a break.’ There’s no shame in doing that.”

Dr. Twohig also said smaller is better when it comes to snow shovels. That may force people to spend more time clearing their driveway or sidewalk, but the reduced weight will be much easier on their heart and back.

The last tip he offered was to dress in warm, loose-fitting clothing. Shoveling snow can be an intense exercise for some people. Anyone who is heading out to clear their driveway should wear layers, but no so many layers that they overheat during physical activity.