If you are living in the Midwest, snow shoving is an unavoidable chore every winter. Moving heavy snow by hand can pose a serious risk to your health and safety. Each year, snow shoveling sends thousands of people to the emergency room and even causes deaths.
Muscle strains and sprains, particularly in the back and shoulders, are some of the most common injuries associated with snow shoveling. Older adults may also be more at risk of a heart attack while shoveling. Here are some tips to keep yourself safe while shoveling, no matter your age.
- Warm your muscles and stretch before you begin.
- Shovel only fresh snow as it's lighter.
- Use a small or plastic shovel to help decrease the weight being lifted.
- Push the snow rather than lifting it.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Take breaks and do not work to the point of exhaustion.
Please keep these tips in mind throughout winter, while staying safe if you must shovel snow. Consider purchasing a snowblower if you are able to afford one.
If you have any winter weather-related injury questions, contact Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678 or start a live chat anytime at Hupy.com.