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Lakewood, NJ --- With winter weather knocking on the door, it will soon be time to break out the snow shovels. Shoveling snow is a repetitive activity that can cause severe muscle strain to the lower back or shoulders, especially in an individual who is not in shape or who does not lift the snow properly. Even more serious, however, is the fact that statistics show an increased number of fatal heart attacks among snow shovelers after heavy snowfalls.
Kimball Medical Centers offers snow shovelers some advice to make it through the winter safely and injury-free.
“The young are not immune to the strain of shoveling,” said Davis Terlizzi, director of Rehabilitation Services at the Kimball Institute for Rehabilitative and Occupational Health Services. “People between the age of 20 and 50 are equally likely to injure their backs when shoveling snow.”
“Most people don’t realize they are out of condition, nor do they realize they are engaging in improper lifting practices. When a person feels pain, it is already too late,” he explains.
To avoid stress, strain and injury, shovelers need to be careful from the first moment they step outside. Terlizzi offers these tips and suggestions:
- Warm up the muscles before shoveling by walking a few minutes or stretching in place – especially the arms, legs and back.
- Lift small loads of snow instead of heavy shovelfuls. Test the snow before lifting – wet snow is much heavier than fine, powdery snow.
- Bend the knees and lift with the legs instead of bending over and lifting with the back.
- Avoid twisting, as the spine does not tolerate that motion as well as it does bending or pushing.
- Apply a product like WD-40 or vegetable spray to the shovel blade to help the snow slide off easier.
- Purchase a new, lightweight snow shovel with shafts and handles that allow shovelers to keep their backs straight while lifting.
If an injury does occur while snow shoveling, it might be necessary to consult a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to help prevent, identify, assess, correct and alleviate the movement dysfunction created by pain and injury to the body.
William Dalsey, MD, medical director of the department of Emergency Medicine at Kimball Medical Center, said snow shoveling can also cause a quick increase in heart rate and blood pressure. “This sudden demand that shoveling places on an individual’s heart may cause the heart rate to rise beyond what would safely be recommended.”
“Those who are already at risk for a heart attack such as someone who has already had a heart attack, or who has heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, should exercise extreme caution when shoveling snow,” Dr. Dalsey said. “For individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle, common sense and moderation are essential when it comes to snow shoveling.”
Shoveling can be made even more difficult by cold weather. Since cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, there can be added stress and strain on the body. There is also an increased risk for hypothermia when snow shoveling, if one is not dressed properly for cold temperatures.
Dr. Dalsey recommends individuals drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while shoveling. “While the cold weather often masks dehydration, it is just as important to drink fluids when exerting this type of energy in the winter as it would be in the summer.”
Dr. Dalsey urges shovelers to proceed in moderation and to take frequent breaks. “Although not everyone who shovels snow will have a heart attack, it is possible and any pain or discomfort should be taken seriously,” he explained. “If you develop chest pain or shortness of breath, stop shoveling immediately and go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 9-1-1. Delay in the treatment of heart attacks increases the damage to your heart and increases the risk of death or disability.”
For more information on Physical Therapy Services or to find or schedule an appointment with a physician in your area, call the Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
Date: December 29, 2008
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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