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You may want your shovel ready as a couple inches of snow is predicted in the next couple days, and keep in mind the best techniques for avoiding an injury or other health emergencies when clearing driveways and sidewalks.

Eric Turner of JET Physical Therapy in Washington says any opportunity where snow can be pushed rather than lifted and thrown is preferred to prevent injury, and it is best to lift with your legs and not your back, and twist as little as possible, “The other thing I think is important is trying to alternate the directions that we do have to lift and twist that we’re not always, let’s say lifting and throwing to our left or throwing to our right but changing the shovel into different positions on the other side so we have to twist both ways. Just kind of keeps us a little bit more balanced in terms of avoiding some kind of repetitive and overuse situation on our back, shoulders, neck, that type of thing.”

Turner understands that many residents may feel they have to rush to clear a driveway before heading out on a morning commute, but he says taking a few minutes to stretch and warm up your body will help from becoming stiff afterwards. Turner recommends to check the wind chill before going outside and dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing to prevent excess perspiration and hypothermia. You can hear more about avoiding injuries and staying active this winter from Turner during this week’s three-part Halcyon House Washington Page program on air and at kciiradio.com.