CLEVELAND — As a high-impact winter storm approaches Northeast Ohio in the coming days, the Cleveland Clinic has shared safety tips for those who will soon be shoveling their driveways and sidewalks.
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While shoveling may seem like a simple chore, one doctor at the Clinic says that it should be viewed more like a workout.
“We have to think of shoveling snow as a pretty significant exertion, like an exercise,” Dr. Donald Ford said in a release sent out by the Cleveland Clinic. “So if you’re going out to exercise, people who have heart conditions or people who have risk for heart conditions, may need to talk to their doctor before they engage in that.”
Such heart conditions to consider include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Frequent breaks to rest during shoveling sessions is also considered a good idea.
Sticking with his exercise analogy, Dr. Ford recommends warming up before shoveling, stretching out muscles in your back, arms, shoulders and legs. It's also recommended to perform a brief aerobic warmup, such as walking in place, hopping up and down, or even a few minutes on the treadmill to get the blood flowing before you begin.
Additionally, once shoveling, don't forget to life with your legs, not your back.
“Make sure you’re lifting from the center. Keeping your body upright, not reaching over,” Dr. Ford said. “Make sure that you can throw the snow in front of you. Don’t try to throw it over your shoulder or to the side because that’s when people really start to get those back injuries, shoulder injuries, and so forth.”
As for the safest shovel to use, Dr. Ford recommends an ergonomic shovel -- one with a longer, bent handle. This shovel may help prevent back pain as it allows you to stand straighter without having to bend over as far to reach the snow.
