HSHS Sacred Heart & St. Joseph’s hospitals offer tips on shoveling snow
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EAU CLAIRE – This year, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals recommend a few safety tips before you start shoveling your driveway and sidewalk.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, about 16,500 people visit the emergency room each year to treat injuries they received while shoveling snow. “Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity, particularly because cold weather can be tasking on the body,” says James Concannon, M.D., medical director of emergency and urgent care services at Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals. “There is a potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, and even heart attacks.”
Here are some tips to stay safe:
• Know if you shouldn’t shovel. Certain people should avoid shoveling snow. If you have a history of heart problems, you should avoid this activity.
• Dress appropriately. Wear light clothing in layers to provide both ventilation and insulation. To keep warm, wear a hat, gloves, and thick socks. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.
• Warm up first. Before you begin shoveling the snow, warm up your muscles for approximately 10 minutes by doing stretches or other light exercises.
• Use proper equipment. Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
• Lift snow correctly. Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, do it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Avoid bending at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once. Do it in pieces.
• Avoid overexerting yourself. Be very careful not to overexert yourself as you work. Pace yourself and take breaks often. It’s a good idea to go indoors to warm up. Taking five to 10 minutes to relax gives your body time to rest. Pay attention to the signals your body is sending. If you feel pain or pressure in your chest, call your doctor right away.
• Choose chemical products carefully. Putting a layer of rock salt (sodium chloride) on icy areas is an effective way to melt the ice. However, rock salt can cause damage to concrete and metal surfaces and is also harmful to plants. Magnesium chloride is less corrosive that other chemical products and works well for melting ice. Before using any ice melting products, read the labels carefully.
