shovel-smart-winter

Snow forecasted in the Washington area will provide a free workout for those clearing sidewalks and driveways.

The National Weather Service predicts several inches of snow to fall in the City of Washington now through Saturday morning, and residents are required to clear public sidewalks of any snow or ice accumulation within 24 hours after the snow has ceased to fall or ice has formed. Removing snow can lead to health and physical risks if not done properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states as shoveling snow can be strenuous, the added cold weather can force a person’s heart to work harder to keep the body warm and trigger a heart attack.

Physical Therapist Nicole Naraine with Washington County Hospital and Clinics adds that without proper technique, injuries can also happen during snow removal. Naraine gives some advice on ways to avoid that trip to the doctor, “If you do have a snowblower that’s always going to be better than trying to manually doing with a shovel. But if you do have to shovel, definitely look into they do make some shovels that are more ergonomic that try to reduce the excessive bending and twisting. And definitely working in short intervals, taking breaks when needed, and when you are shoveling try to push the snow off to the side, instead of lifting and throwing it, that’s going to reduce the strain on your back.”

Shovels with a plastic blade are recommended over metal, and when removing snow residents should bend at the knees, choke up on the shovel to keep the blade as close to your body as possible, push up with your legs, and do not twist your body. Naraine also recommends checking the forecast and wind chill before stepping outside, drinking plenty of water, and watching out for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.