What do sipping cocoa, snuggling under blankets and heart attacks all have in common? They are all more common during the cold winter months.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,200 Americans die annually from a heart attack or similar cardiac event during or after a big snowstorm, and shoveling is often the trigger. To help create awareness, work to lower that number, and highlight other ways to stay safe during winter, MTD Products Inc, a global manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, and the American Heart Association have partnered to promote heart health and winter safety during the snow shoveling season.

"The American Heart Association has demonstrated a commitment to helping people build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. MTD is committed to promoting winter safety, including safe snow removal," said Jessica Gardner, marketing communications manager for MTD. "We are proud to work with the American Heart Association's Start! initiative to help educate people on the impact shoveling heavy snow can have on your heart and other ways to stay safe and healthy during cold winter months."

Research shows that cardiovascular events like sudden cardiac arrest often increase during cold months. Activities that require sudden exertion like heavy snow shoveling, especially if performed by habitually sedentary individuals with underlying heart disease, can pose unique health risks and may trigger cardiac events.

"For inactive people with heart disease, the combination of cold air, strenuous lifting and excessive cardiac demands can disproportionately increase blood pressure and heart rate, which increases the risk of a heart attack," said Barry Franklin, Ph.D., spokesperson for the American Heart Association's Start! initiative and Director, Cardiac Rehab and Exercise Laboratories at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.

The following are some tips and facts about winter snow removal:

* Don't try to lift too much snow at one time.
* Dress appropriately and remember to wear a breathing mask or scarf to protect your face and neck. Also, always wear a hat; you can lose a lot of heat if your head is exposed.
* Just walking through heavy, wet snow can strain your heart. Be sure to pace yourself. You know your stamina best.
* Make sure no one is in the path of snow discharging from the snow thrower chute, particularly if your driveway is gravel.
* Never clear clogs in the chute with your hands - always use an approved chute clearing device.

To help reduce the demands on your heart this winter, consider a snow thrower to help with snow removal, especially if you are at risk for heart disease. For a guide to selecting the right thrower for your region and driveway.

To learn more about heart health, visit the American Heart Association's Start! initiative at website.

About MTD Products Inc

MTD Products Inc is a leading global manufacturer of outdoor power equipment headquartered near Cleveland, Ohio. MTD brands include Yard-Man®, White Outdoor®, Yard Machines® and Bolens®. Products can be found at home improvement stores, mass retailers, hardware stores, independent dealers and farm supply stores.