Health Tip: Safe Snow Shoveling

Take extra precautions

Posted 3/3/08

(HealthDay News) - Along with winter weather comes the possibility of shoveling heavy snow.

Here are some snow shoveling suggestions, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

People who have had a heart attack, or who have been diagnosed with heart problems, shouldn't shovel snow without a doctor's permission.
People who rarely get physical activity should be especially careful.
Snow shoveling is exercise -- warm up, stretch out, cool down and don't strain yourself too much. Stop immediately if you feel pain in your chest, or you're getting out of breath.
Avoid eating a big meal or smoking right before shoveling.
Be extra careful with wet snow that has been on the ground for a while. Try to shovel when it has just fallen and is likely to be more light and powdery.
Push the snow instead of lifting and carrying it. When you do have to lift the shovel, lift with your legs instead of your back.