Southern Idaho (KMVT-TV) Winter storms not only pose danger on the roads but can also cause significant health problems.

"Windchills are one of those dangerous things that come with our winter storms," said Vernon Preston of the National Weather Service.

Windchills are a combination of the cold temperatures and the speed of the wind.

"How it impacts the humans is that the wind on the skin tends to evaporate the moisture that's on there so the stronger the wind combined with the colder the temperature the quicker the skin is going to chill and thus leading to frostbite or maybe worse, even hypothermia," said Vernon Preston.

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 96 degrees. Wind chills and temperatures aren't the only health hazard Mother Nature throws our way during the winter. Shoveling heavy snow can also cause health hazards.

"One of the things we've found in winter storms across the United States, probably one of the most impacted people are men ages 40–60," said Vernon Preston.

Preston explains that as soon as it snows, men want to get the snow shoveled and removed. "It's very important that you pace yourself during a snowstorm so you don't over exert yourself."

Overexertion can lead to strokes and heart attacks. With this knowledge, hopefully you'll stay safe and healthy throughout the winter.