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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Virginia Health Officials: Storm has Passed, But Threats Remain

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Monday, January 25, 2016   

RICHMOND, Va. - As Virginia digs out from winter storm Jonah, health officials are warning of some cold-weather hazards to watch out for. "Snowzilla" may have passed, but State Health Commissioner Marissa Levine warns it's still going to be slippery in places, and cold.

She says people may underestimate those dangers. And she points out it's easy to overdo it when shoveling heavy snow.

"It's a wonderful time to enjoy the snow, and hopefully over the next few days there'll be opportunities to do that," she says. "But also, injuries do happen after events like this."

Levine says people with underlying health problems, such as heart conditions, run extra risks when clearing their walks and driveways and may not realize the cold temperatures make working outdoors a greater strain.

Levine advises keeping a cell phone with you when shoveling, or just paying a neighborhood kid to do it. If you decide to do it yourself, she says there are tips to keep in mind.

"Push the snow, and don't lift it," she says. "Take frequent breaks; stay hydrated. And then importantly, listen to your body, too, and stop when you need to."

Levine warns about the dangers of frostbite, and about children who go out to play without bundling up. She notes the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improperly-vented heaters and generators. And she says the state is already seeing a rise in the number of older Virginians injured by falling.

"As the weather improves, remember that the surfaces will be uneven, potentially icy, especially first thing in the morning," she says.

More on winter health issues is on the state Health Department website.


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