While we have missed much of the anticipated snowfall so far this winter, living in Michigan means we could still make up for the low snowfall at any time.

• Dress warmly to maintain core temperature and reduce the risk of cardiac events
• Pace the activity appropriately; rest frequently...and perform the stretches your physical therapist has taught you to use for symptom control
• Use good technique: 
• Weight shift when you go to load the shovel
• Use the partial squat when you lift the shovel
• Hold lower onto the handle to make the load feel lighter by controlling leverage
• Minimize twisting by keeping your body squared away to the activity:
• If you toss the snow to the front or side, pick up your back heel
• Use a full pivot step and then move closer to where you are putting the snow to minimize how far you are trying to toss the snow
• Using a snow blower:
• Stay upright in your movement
• Do not bend to hold the handles
• If using a self propelled blower with multiple drive settings, stay at a lower speed to maintain better control
• When making a turn with any snow blower be careful not to twist:
• Keep your stomach tight
• Take smaller steps, so that you can keep your body square to the blower
• Pace, pace, pace...don't be in a hurry
• Be safe and enjoy being active and outside!