Proper Snow Shoveling Techniques

As we are in the thick of winter, many areas have already experienced accumulating snow. Unless you plan to remain snowbound in your house for the rest of the winter, the snow will have to be shoveled away! But be careful, something routine as snow shoveling can actually be dangerous for some high risk groups or if done improperly. 

 

Snow shoveling is actually responsible for thousands of injuries each year, and even around 100 fatalities each year. Injuries are largely relegated to back problems and we have all heard the phrase “heart attack snow” in reference to heavy wet snow. If you prepare and use safe shoveling techniques, you can prevent injury.   

 

The first thing you can do to prevent later pain, best done before winter starts, is to buy the right snow shovel. A lightweight, well-constructed plastic shovel tends to work best; it is easier to maneuver and lift snow. Curved-handle shovels help minimize the amount of bending necessary to push the snow aside.

 

Besides having a proper shovel, you still need to get your body ready to shovel snow. Be sure that the top layer is water repellant to prevent the skin from getting wet and cold. Jackets and gloves should be waterproof but loose enough to provide flexibility. Sturdy, waterproof shoes or winter boots should be worn to provide good traction on the snow and ice. Always wear a hat and scarf to keep the head warm.

 

Remember, snow shoveling is a form of exercise. You will work up a sweat despite the chilly outdoor temperatures. Prepare for your shoveling in the same way you warm up to exercise. Do a little stretching while you`re still inside, focusing on stretching the thigh muscles. Take a short walk around the neighborhood or clear off your car to get the heart pumping a bit faster.

 

When you start to work, shovel small amounts of snow by skimming layers of snow a bit at a time. Remember, even though it looks light and fluffy, snow is filled with water and is very heavy. Clearing off cars should be a primary task. This way, you don`t have to re-shovel the snow in the driveway around your vehicle. 

 

Also, decide where the snow is going to go, and do not move the snow over and over again. Once you have decided where to put it, move the snow the shortest possible distance.

 

Take frequent breaks to avoid exhaustion. Snow shoveling is one of the greatest causes of heart trouble in the U.S., as people try to take on too much too fast. Here are some other ideas to avoid a tweaking the lower back:
 

• Whenever possible, push the snow to one side rather than lifting it.

• Walk to the new location rather than throwing the snow.

• Always face towards the object you intend to lift. That is, have your shoulders and hips both squarely facing it.

• Bend at the hips, not the back, and push the chest out. Then bend your knees and lift the snow with your legs, keeping your back straight.

• Avoid excessive bending and twisting at the waist and back. By bending your knees and lifting with your legs you can maintain the normal curves of your spine and prevent injury. 

• Take breaks and continue to stretch out. If you become overly sweaty, dizzy or short of breath, it is important to stop and rest. If you continue to feel ill or suspect a medical issue, seek emergency help. 
 

If all else fails, use some green to remove the white stuff. Purchase a snow blower and use that to move the snow or hire some neighborhood kids to complete the job. In some areas you can even hire someone to plow your driveway to avoid shoveling all together! 

Image: A Cohasset, Mass., resident carries a snow shovel past a snow bank on a sidewalk, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Scituate, Mass. Gusty winds and falling temperatures plunged the East Coast into a deep freeze as people dig out from a powerful nor’easter that dumped mounds of snow, flooded coastlines and knocked power out. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)