contributed by MS SERVICES
Snow may be beautiful when it is delicately falling to the ground. But when it starts to pile up, the winter landscape can turn into a formidable project.
A recent 17-year study published by the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that snow shoveling sends on average of about 11,000 adults and children to the hospital every year.
Snow shoveling can contribute to broken bones, head injuries, pulled backs — even heart attacks.
Overworking the muscles, falling and being hit with the shovel were the most common reasons for injuries.
People with existing heart problems can actually experience a heart attack if they overtax themselves while shoveling. Adults over age 55 are more than four times as likely than younger people to suffer heart-related problems while shoveling snow.
Many people do not realize just how much of a workout snow shoveling can be. The physical demand of the activity can be on par with running on a treadmill, forcing the heart to work overtime. Compounded by cold temperatures, snow shoveling is nothing to take lightly. Heeding advice to be cautious can be the way to stave off injury or something more serious.
• Treat shoveling just like any other exercise and warm up first. Stretch the muscles, jog in place and get the heart pumping.
• Invest in an ergonomic shovel. These shovels are typically lighter than traditional steel shovels and have a handle and design that reduces the need to bend and lift.
• Move smaller loads of snow at a time. The average shovelful of snow can weigh 20 pounds or more, so lifting less should provide some relief.
• Push the snow as much as you can to displace it. Should you have to lift it, bend at the knees. Do not twist or throw the snow over your shoulder.
• Take a break every few minutes to catch your breath and have some water. It is easy to become dehydrated or overheated while shoveling, but not know it because of the cold.
• Wear the proper footwear to avoid falls on ice and snow. Many injuries occur because of falls on slippery surfaces.
• For those who are not physically fit enough to shovel snow, consider investing in a snow blower or pay to have the snow removed.
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