Snow may be gentle and beautiful, but removing it can be dangerous.
Shoveling snow is one of the most dangerous winter activities, with research showing that it causes approximately 11,500 injuries and emergencies and 100 deaths each year.
The American Heart Association revealed that snow shoveling As an activity that can put extra stress on the heart.
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In addition to heart accidents, other common injuries include broken bones, cuts, bumps, and bruises from slips and falls.
Two doctors shared their insights and recommendations for safe snow shoveling with Fox News Digital.
Shoveling snow is one of the most dangerous winter activities, with research showing that it causes approximately 11,500 injuries and emergencies and 100 deaths each year. (St. Petersburg)
Why is snow shoveling dangerous?
Dr. Bradley Serwer is a cardiologist and chief medical officer at Ohio-based Vital Solutions. The company, which provides cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals across the country, noted that overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates increase during the winter season.
“This is due to multiple factors, including seasonal temperatures, physical activity levels, air pollution, infectious diseases, stress levels, and dietary fluctuations,” he told Fox News Digital.
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Sarwar pointed out that lack of exercise was the main factor. during the winterpeople tend to be less active and therefore less prepared for the high physical demands of shoveling snow.
“The amount of physical effort required to shovel a significant amount of snow is often underestimated,” Serwar says. “Shoveling snow can be extremely strenuous and can put a significant strain on the cardiovascular system.”
Extremely cold temperatures also increase the risk.
One doctor said it's safer to push snow off the road than to lift a heavy snow shovel over your head. (St. Petersburg)
“Cold temperatures can cause peripheral blood vessels to constrict, raise blood pressure It can put extra strain on your heart,” he said.
Sarwar also points out that when working in cold climates, workers tend to forget to drink water as needed, making them more susceptible to dehydration.
“It's also important to note that orthopedic injuries from falls from slippery conditions are very common,” he says.
Tips to reduce risks when shoveling snow
To adequately protect yourself from the cold, Sarwar recommends wearing layers such as coats, hats, scarves, and gloves to avoid overheating, and removing them as your body warms up.
Dr. Sara Lee, Emergency Physician University of Maryland The Midtown Campus Medical Center warned people to watch for signs of frostbite, especially on the hands, toes and nose.
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Early symptoms of frostbite include severe cold, pain, swelling, and discoloration.
“If you experience these symptoms, we recommend you go to a warm place immediately,” Lee told FOX News Digital. “Be sure to change into warm, dry clothes when you go indoors.”
It's also important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and tobacco products while at work, the doctor said.
When lifting heavy snow, it's important to use your legs to lift the heavy object to avoid straining your lower back. (St. Petersburg)
Before starting, experts recommend warming up with some stretching.
“Shoveling snow uses a lot of big muscle groups,” says Lee, who is also an instructor in emergency medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “Stretch before you start warming up your muscles and joints.”
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When lifting heavy snow, it's important to use your legs to lift the heavy object to avoid straining your lower back, Lee added.
For people who aren't usually very active, it's important to “pay close attention and know your limits,” Lee said.
“Avoid overexerting yourself and be sure to take lots of small breaks if you're shoveling large areas,” she advised.
For people who aren't usually very active, it's important to “take extreme caution and know your limits,” the doctor told FOX News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
To avoid slips and falls, Lee warned people to be wary of black ice, which can be difficult to spot.
“The colder the weather, the more likely there is ice to freeze on the ground,” she noted.
For seniors in particular, Lee recommends keeping a cell phone in your pocket so you can call for help in an emergency.
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When removing snow, Selwer says it's safer to push the snow off the road than to lift a heavy snow shovel over your head.
People with specific symptoms or risks are please consult your doctor Before shoveling the snow, the doctors agreed.
Doctors warned people to be wary of black ice, which can be difficult to spot, to avoid slips and falls. (Rachel Gibbons/The Daily News-Sun, via AP)
“In general, people who have conditions that limit their mobility or who are at increased risk of falling, i.e. are elderly, debilitated, or have a sedentary lifestyle, should take extra precautions. “There is a need,” Lee said.
People with a history of heart problems She said you should consult your doctor before doing strenuous exercise.
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“Patients taking blood-thinning medications also need to take special care to avoid falls,” Lee added.
For people at high risk for cardiac events, experts recommend hiring someone else to perform this job.
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health.
