News / Information Details   

December 7, 2011

Snow Removal Safety

 

You try to shovel heavy wet snow on your own sidewalk to keep passers-by from slipping and falling...only to suffer severe chest pains and then...just like that...you pass out in the snow unconscious. And without first-aid help, you could end up dead. It is true that this winter task in some people can cause enough vasoconstriction and heart strain to cause cardiac arrest, especially on very cold days. The best bet if you have to shovel snow is to avoid or reduce the risk of this cardiovascular after-effect which can have deadly results, so here are some tips to keep a possible heart attack "impossible" when shoveling snow.

 

Things You'll Need:

 

1.       Your common sense

2.       Vitamin C or Vitamin D supplements

3.       Aspirin

4.       CoQ10 supplements

5.       An ergonomic shovel, if possible

6.       Grape juice.

 

Step 1

Especially when shoveling freezing rain that turned to ice, or heavy wet snow, technique in shoveling these types of precipitation is very important. Do not twist the shovel when you fill the shovel with a pack of snow or ice as you lift it up...the best bet is to push the shovel forward as you lift the stuff to let that stuff go off the shovel. Not perfect but it is necessary to help save your heart. Also, treat shoveling as if you are lifting a heavy object: bend your knees to lift the shovel with the filled snow or ice and don't lift with your back alone.

Step 2

Stop shoveling if you feel any type of chest pains...even if it is a single burst of chest pain. By continuing to shovel if you feel that pain, you will only make things worse and could cause serious health consequences. Give your heart a rest by resting from shoveling about 10-15 minutes, and take an aspirin immediately. After 15 minutes, if you don't have any more chest pains, continue shoveling. This step is not recommended for those who had recent major heart problems or related surgeries (bypass surgery, etc.).

 

Step 3

For those who are under high risk of heart disease, such as people who smoke heavily, but are not yet having any heart problems, it is best to take a COQ10 supplement in tablet form (a cellular energy booster), pure grape juice, and any food product with high amounts of potassium. Potassium acts as a natural antihypertensive, which will create less strain on the blood vessels of the heart (lowering blood pressure) before shoveling snow. Hence, potassium reduces the chance for the blood vessels to constrict. Be sure to take any about 1 hour before shoveling snow.

 

Remember:

 

Pace yourself. Start shoveling soon after newly fallen snow since it is lighter than wet, heavily packed snow, and take small breaks (shovel an inch or two, rest, and repeat). Start out slowly to avoid putting too much stress on your heart all at once.

 

Push, rather than lift. Try pushing the snow away from you, rather than lifting it, to avoid straining or twisting your back. Look for a shovel with a blade that makes it easier to push snow.

 

Use your legs. If you must lift snow, fill your shovel no more than half full. Bend your knees and lift with your legs, rather than your back. Keep your back straight. Avoid throwing snow over your shoulder or to the side, which causes your back to twist and can injure your shoulders.

 

Watch for ice. Look out for ice under the snow or on the ground that can cause you to slip and fall. Black ice, which looks like water but is actually thin ice, can be especially dangerous.

 

Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask someone to help you if it's a huge job.

 

Listen to your body. If you feel tightness in your chest or have any pain, stop right away and call your doctor. If you're sore after shoveling, take a hot bath, get a massage or take a pain reliever. If you still don't feel well, see your doctor.

 

When dealing with bitter cold temperatures, always be mindful of your health and potential risks.  Be aware of serious health hazards posed by cold weather and keep yourself and your family safe through the winter.