After heavy snowfalls there’s often an increase in the number of fatal heart attacks among those who shovel snow. It’s theorized this is due to the sudden demand that shoveling places on the heart. Snow shoveling causes a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. One study found that a sedentary man’s heart rate rose to levels higher than those normally recommended during aerobic exercise after just two minutes of shoveling snow.
With this in mind, think before you head out with your shovel in hand. Think about your physical condition – if you are out of shape, take it slow along with breaks. When you are shoveling your body is pushing, lifting, and lunging.J Just because you may be lucky to have pretty light fluffy snow, that doesn’t mean it’s not hard on your back. Remember to bend at the knees. When you’re hurling that shovel full of snow, lift with your legs, not your back.
The National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling:
- Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's permission.
- Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
- Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety.
- Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.
- Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one.
- Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
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