These snow shoveling safety tips can help you from injuring yourself this winter.
1. Shoveling snow can be a serious health safety risk if you have a history of heart related illness, High blood pressure or high cholesterol...be safe and check with your doctor.
2. Cigarette Smokers get short of breath quite easily. Shortness of breath will make your heart pump faster, increasing your risk of heart attack.
3. If you are a senior citizen or you are simply out of shape, it would be wise to hire someone to do your shoveling for you. Concern for your own safety is nothing to be ashamed of.
4. Before starting to shovel, be sure you have warmed up properly. For a list of stretches, click here.
5. Start slowly, work at a steady pace and take frequent breaks. Shoveling snow rapidly for long periods at a time will compromise your safety.
6. When you are shoveling snow be sure to remain hydrated. Dehydration can cause dizziness and fainting as well as more serious health issues.
7. Choose a small shovel, so you are not lifting as much snow. Snow may appear light and fluffy, but it can get quite heavy when it starts to melt. Plastic shovels tend to be lighter and snow slides off more easily.
8. Stand with your feet apart slightly and bend your knees as you lift. Avoid over twisting your body while lifting as you could pull a muscle. Your feet should point in the direction you are lifting and throwing in.
9. If it is cold outside, wear multiple layers for insulation, and so that you can shed layers if you become overheated. Be sure to cover your extremities to guard against frostbite.
10. Shovel often as the snow falls. Heavy accumulated snow can turn to ice and cause a safety hazard for pedestrians. It can also be a real back-breaking proposition.
contact us or your PCP before starting the program.
