Snow is a beautiful sight to see when it falls gently from the sky, but it can be a nightmare to deal with when it accumulates on our driveways or sidewalks.

Removing snow can be a tedious and an often times hazardous task, especially for those with preexisting medical conditions or for the elderly. We’ve all heard stories of people injuring themselves while shoveling snow. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries occur annually, making snow removal a serious health concern.

Why Is Snow Removal Dangerous?

When we shovel snow, we place a great amount of stress on our bodies. The sideways motion of shoveling combined with the heavy weight of snow can cause muscle strains and sprains, back injuries, heart attacks, and broken bones.

Cold temperatures can constrict our blood vessels and lead to high blood pressure and heart attack.

How to Prevent Snow Removal Injuries?

Fortunately, there are several measures that we can take to prevent injuries while shoveling snow:.

Warm-Up Exercises

Before shoveling snow, it’s crucial to warm-up. Cold muscles are more prone to injury. Engage in light exercises such as walking or jogging for 5-10 minutes to warm up your muscles, particularly in your arms, shoulders, and back.

Stretching exercises such as arm circles and trunk side bends can also be effective in preventing muscle strains and sprains.

Use the Proper Technique

When shoveling, use your legs instead of your back to lift. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs. This not only puts less strain on your back and neck but also engages your core muscles.

Use a small shovel to avoid picking up too much snow at once, and avoid throwing snow over your shoulders. Walk over to the snow pile to deposit the snow instead.

Dress Appropriately

Wearing the proper clothing for shoveling is essential. Dress in layers to keep warm, but avoid bulky clothing that limits your range of motion. Wear a hat and gloves to keep your head and hands warm.

Choose footwear with good traction to minimize the risk of slipping and falling. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of reflected sunlight on snow.

Take Frequent Breaks

Shoveling can be physically taxing, so it’s essential to rest often. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Try not to shoveling immediately after meals, because your body has to work hard to digest food, and shoveling too soon can lead to or exacerbate stomach problems, including heartburn or acid reflux.

Consider Alternatives to Shoveling

If possible, it’s best to avoid shoveling altogether. Here are some safe alternatives to shoveling snow:.

Use a snow blower
Hire a snow removal company
Ask a neighbor or family member to help
Invest in geothermal heated driveways or sidewalks that melts snow automatically

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury while shoveling snow. Don’t let the beauty of snow fool you into disregarding the potential danger of snow removal. Remember, there’s nothing beautiful about getting injured.

Stay safe and keep your winter wonderland pristine, all while avoiding unnecessary strain on your body.