Winter time is busy time for doctors

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The bad weather has kept doctors busy. Doctors Express in Springfield says that they have seen everything from the flu, to shoveling injuries, and injuries caused by using a snow-blower.

The Doctors Express co-founder said it is common for ER's to see a 50% increase in patients during the winter, and that Doctors Express is designed to relieve some of that burden.

One doctor offered up a tip: "It's easy to fall on the first step outside, because sometimes you don't even know there's ice out there and it can quickly happen to you. So always assume there is ice out there even if you can’t see it. That is the number one tip," Dr. Jim Laurenzano of Doctors Express said.

When you are out shoveling, you are advised to know your limits and not to over-exert yourself.