ILLINOIS (WCIA) — With cold weather here, there is a lot you have to consider to stay safe. Road conditions, your pipes and your thermostat are all things you should be paying attention to right now. One doctor at Carle wants to add your personal health to the list.

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to squeeze down tighter than normal. That makes your hearts job of circulating blood harder.

Cardiologist Karen Wiarda said this increases the likelihood of strokes, heart attacks, and other heart issues. To prevent these from happening she recommends staying inside, unless you have to go out. When you do, wear layers — but make sure they aren’t too tight and constrict blood flow even more. You also can take steps at home to make sure you’re staying active even if it’s not outside.

“I think there’s so much that you can do even just in your house. I mean, walking up and down your stairs or, if you have put on music and start dancing, even just play with the dog inside the house or playing with your pets inside the house. And then, getting up and down, literally just getting up from your chair, getting back down on your chair, getting up from your chair, get back down in your chair,” Wiarda said.

She also said you should get moving inside before you go out into the cold. Doing this will raise your body temperature, get your blood flowing, and help keep you warmer for longer.

The last big tip the doctor gave was if you have to shovel snow this season — make sure you aren’t pushing yourself too hard. She said if you feel any pain or discomfort take breaks, so you don’t hurt yourself.