HEART PROBLEMS
The National Heart Foundation says there is no reason why people with heart conditions can't hit the slopes and partake in recreational activities, as long as the right precautionary measures are taken.

The risk for people with heart conditions depends on the level of exercise they will be doing. It is essential that someone with a heart problem planning on vigorous exercise takes an exercise stress test with their physician before they go. This test can then be reviewed by a cardiologist who can help create a management plan for the prevention of any problems.
   While at the snow, it is important to keep monitoring yourself and at the first warning signs and pains in the chest, to stop what you are doing. It is vital to keep taking medication
as prescribed. It is not advisable for someone with a heart condition to drink excessive amounts of alcohol in the cold.

For more information on hitting the slopes with a heart condition, please call the National Heart Foundation Heart Line Information Service on 1300 362 787.
 

Alcohol & Drugs are fuel for disaster in the snow, they impair your judgement and your ability. Your reaction times are significantly reduced and increase the risk of injury. The whole alpine experience begins when you leave home and doesn’t finish until you return. Avoid alcohol consumption and the use of illegal substances, because they increase your risk of hypothermia.

Alcohol & Drugs impair judgement, slow response time and reduce your ability to respond to an emergency.