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Snow Shoveling Safety
Snow Shoveling Safety
Tips
If you are inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor before you take on the task of shoveling snow.
Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning. These are stimulants and can place extra stress on the heart.
Drink plenty of water.
Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed.
Warm up your muscles before shoveling.
Use a shovel with a small blade.
Begin shoveling slowly, pace yourself, and take breaks as needed.
Push snow rather than lifting and throwing.
If you do lift snow protect your back from injury by lifting correctly:
Stand with your feet hip-width apart for balance.
Keep the shovel close to your body.
Bend from the knees (not the back) and tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow.
Avoid twisting movements.
Most importantly - listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain.
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