How to stay safe while shoveling snow
With winter weather quickly approaching, snow shovels are starting to become a necessity in many households.
But for thousands of people, the seemingly simple task of shoveling can end with a trip to the hospital.
About 11,500 adults and children are sent to the emergency room for injuries related to snow shoveling every year, according to a 17-year study published in 2011 in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
"The problem is that many people do not realize that shoveling snow is exercise. If you're not in great physical shape, you can really hurt yourself," Maureen Vogel, the Media Relations Manager for the National Security Council, said.
There are numerous tips and techniques that prevent shoveling-related injuries. Shoveling can cause back injuries, broken bones and head pains as well as aggravate serious heart problems.
The cold weather increases the likelihood of heart attacks, Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, said in a news release.
Cold weather causes the arteries to constrict, which then raises blood pressure and pulse rate. These increases put additional strain on the heart.
The Colorado Spine Institute and National Safety Council provide tips on their websites to help reduce the risks associated with shoveling snow.
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For more safety and preparedness tips, visit visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
