Clark, Perdue & List's Blog

Ohio's "Blizzard of 2008" dropped a record setting 20.4 inches of snow on central Ohio. That's a lot of snow in a lot of driveways that has to be removed before people can get to grocery, church, school and work.

That much snow, and the need to remove it form driveways and sidewalks, is a reminder that shoveling snow poses significant health risks.

The most obvious and well-known risk associated with shoveling snow is heart attack. According to CBS news correspondent Dr. Emily Senay, those most at risk for heart attack include:

• Anyone who has already had a heart attack,
• Individuals with a history of heart disease,
• Those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels,
• Smokers, and
• Individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Dr. Warren Yamarick, medical director at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus says that many people don't realize that they are at risk for heart disease, and that shoveling snow can trigger a heart attack in even the most unsuspecting person.

Even if you exercise regularly and believe that you are in good physical condition, shoveling snow strain muscles not regularly used in your sporting activities or workout regime. Most at risk are the muscles in your back, and strains to these muscles can leave one temporarily incapacitated.
Dr. Senay offers several practical tips for safer shoveling:

• If you are inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor before you take on the task of shoveling snow.
• Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning. These are stimulants, which may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict. This places extra stress on the heart.
  Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter months as it is in the summer.
• Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed.
• Warm up your muscles before shoveling, by walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Stretch the muscles in your arms and legs, because warm muscles will work more efficiently and be less likely to be injured.
• Pick the right shovel for you. A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, putting less strain on your body.
• Lift with your legs not your back. Bend your knees and keep your back as straight as possible so that the lifting comes from your leg muscles, not your back. Never bend at the waist. Step in the direction that you are throwing snow. This will help prevent the lower back from twisting and will help alleviate any back soreness that you might typically experience the day after a hard shoveling job.
• Create some distance between the hands. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to lift snow.
• Pick-up smaller loads of snow. It's best to shovel by sections. If you are experiencing snowfall levels of 12-inches or higher, take it easy and shovel 2-inches off at a time.
• Do push. Don't lift. Save your back and your energy by simply pushing the snow to the side instead of lifting the snow and throwing it off to the side.
• Listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain or observe heart attack warning signs. These may include chest pain as well as shoulder, neck or arm pain; dizziness, fainting, sweating or nausea; or shortness of breath. If you think you're having a heart attack, seek medical help immediately.