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.