Snow Shoveling

[Guest guest]

Every snowstorm, it seems, someone dies after shoveling snow.

Philadelphia Health Commissioner F. Schwarz has reminded Philadelphians

to take precautionary measures to lessen the chance of injuries and accidents

common in winter weather.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/83710272.html

- Plastic shovel blades often crack under the weight of the snow and freezing

temperatures. Use a shovel with a metal blade or a plastic blade with a metal

tip.

-- For deep snow, use a smaller blade, and for a shallower snow, use a bigger

blade.

-- Instead of scooping up large amounts of snow all at once, scoop up the snow

one layer at a time.

-- For less stress on the back, Talley suggested using ergonomic shovels, which

have contoured handles that allow less bending while shoveling.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/235601

" Snow shoveling can also strain the heart and cause potentially life threatening

injuries, such as a heart attack, " Wainwright said in a statement. She

recommends men and women age 45 and older, especially those who are not

physically active or have a history of a heart condition, should have someone

shovel snow.

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2010/02/05/Snow-shoveling-not-for-those-45-and-ol\

der/UPI-86801265410194/

The good news is that 15 minutes of snow shoveling counts as moderate physical

activity, according to the 1996 Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity

and Health and will burn 408 calories per hour. The bad news is researchers have

reported an increase in the number of heart attacks among snow shovelers after

heavy snowfalls. Check with your doctor if you are at risk for a heart attack

before shoveling snow.

In 2007, more than 118,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms,

doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries that happened

while shoveling. Don't think snow blowers are totally safe: in the same year

16,000 were injured using snow blowers.

General health guidelines

Drink plenty of water, dehydration is just as big an issue in dry cold winter

months as it is in the summer.

Wear good boots and if it is icy underneath use shoe chains.

Spray your shovel with a Teflon spray so snow does not stick. Dress in several

layers so you can remove layers as needed. Warm up your muscles before

shoveling, by walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Then do some

stretching, warm and flexible muscles are less likely to be injured. This is

epically important if you are shoveling snow in the morning when your body is

colder. There is an increased risk of spinal disc injuries in the morning

because of this.

The equipment...

For big jobs, use a snow blower. You can probably borrow it from your neighbor

for a nice bottle of wine. You can also hire some laborers to remove the snow

for you. I believe the going rate is $25 per hour...

— Dr. Barry Triestmann practices chiropractic and active release technique

http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20100125/COMMUNITY/100129937/1066 & ParentProfile\

=1051

....The " Manplow " is touted as the best snow shovel on the planet. It's

lightweight aluminum with a wide handle. You can use it two-handed. And who can

resist the " Snowovel, The Snow Shovel on a Wheel. " It supposedly clears away

snow three times faster than shoveling, with half the effort and less risk of

injury. It was TIME Magazine's best invention of 2006...

http://www.rhinelanderdailynews.com/articles/2010/01/29/news/doc4b63bad5cae3a361\

334017.txt

Check your local Recreation and Parks Department or Aging Agency for a list of

Teens Available to Shovel Snow

http://www.fcnp.com/component/content/article/54-snow/5774-fc-teens-available-to\

-shovel-snow.html

or your local middle school district information officer

http://maplewood.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/snow-buddies-for-seniors/