Safe Snow Shoveling

With Jack Frost nipping at our nose, outdoor activities become risky for some. Snow shoveling can be especially dangerous. There are some tips to consider when there is snow to shovel:

* Don’t shovel snow after smoking or eating a heavy meal - these activities all put an extra load on our cardiovascular system

* Dress in layers so clothing can be peeled off as the body becomes warmer. Overheating puts extra strain on the heart

* Wear a scarf over nose and mouth to avoid breathing cold air

* Wear a hat to retain body heat

* Pace yourself and take frequent rest breaks

* Bend legs slightly at the knee, letting thigh muscles do most of the pushing and lifting work

* Use a shovel with a small scoop and keep loads light and small

Related web sites:

http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/pted/htm/snow_sh2.htm

http://www.geisinger.edu/ghs/pubtips/S/ShovelingSnow.htm

http://www.swmed.edu/home_pages/library/consumer/snow.htm

 

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