Written by Kat Hodgins | Published 4:58 PM, October 25, 2021

Those who live in areas where it snows all winter may marvel at its beauty, but are afraid of the jobs it brings. As the white matter accumulates, it is your responsibility to pick up the snow shovel and start working.

Snow shoveling requires vigorous exercise in cold temperatures, which can cause problems for your health. There is the danger of slipping on ice, hypothermia caused by freezing temperatures, and stress caused by weightlifting, all of which can affect your health. On average, snow shoveling is the cause of 100 deaths and 11,500 injuries in the United States each year. Before you go out to shovel snow, be prepared for the potential risks of this job.

Before starting a workout, a common recommendation is to warm up the muscles first. Cold muscles are tighter, making them more susceptible to strains. For those who are not accustomed to physical activity, using improper techniques, or overly forcing themselves, the back muscles are at risk of straining or cramping. Before you go out, do light exercise for 10 minutes to get your muscles ready before shoveling snow.

To reduce the pressure on your back, choose a snow shovel with a small and lightweight plastic blade, which limits the amount you can lift. We like Snow Joe’s ergonomic relief shovel, which has a spring assisted handle.

Related: The best snow shovel for clearing paths and driveways

Shoveling snow is harder than many people think. The exhaustion of lifting heavy snow can cause a heart attack, especially in cold weather. In cold weather, the arteries contract, causing blood pressure to rise. When part of the heart muscle does not get enough blood flow, heart disease occurs.

To protect your heart from overwork, divide the work into smaller parts and take a break instead of pushing through the entire work. If you feel any signs of a heart attack (chest pain, difficulty breathing, radiating pain in your arms or neck), seek medical attention immediately. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, please consider hiring a neighbor's child to shovel the driveway for you.

Related: Best Snow Blower of 2021

Although cold, fresh air makes people feel good, extreme cold can actually irritate your lungs and affect your breathing. Cold, dry air can narrow the upper respiratory tract and make breathing more difficult, especially for people with diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

When shoveling the ground, if you have difficulty breathing, a tight chest, or start to cough or gasp, put down your shovel and move your head indoors.

One trick to minimize breathing problems when shoveling snow is to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or leggings. This will help warm the air before it enters the lungs.

Related: 14 best tools to conquer ice and snow

Those in cold climates should be aware of the possibility of frostbite. When exposed to an extremely cold environment, blood circulation will be transferred from the limbs to the internal organs and brain to maintain body function. Restricted blood flow to the skin and limbs (such as fingers, hands, toes, feet, nose, ears, etc.) can cause ice crystals to form and cause tissues to freeze.

When you go outside to shovel snow, the weather may be cold, wet, and windy. If you notice any signs of redness or pain on your skin, stay away from the cold. To avoid frostbite, please check the weather, temperature and wind chill, and wear appropriate clothing to keep warm. If the weather is particularly cold and you will stay outdoors for a long time, please consider carefully reading the guide on heated jackets and heated vests that we have studied. This will provide more protection for the shovel from the effects of cold weather.

Related: The best winter socks to match work boots

Dehydration is a health condition that may be lurking on you in cold weather. People usually feel less thirsty in the cold and skip the water they need without realizing it. Dehydration impairs the body's ability to regulate calories and puts more stress on the heart.

Usually, when people clear the driveway before starting a new day, shoveling snow is a chore. This time is the time when we have the least water. The manual labor of shoveling snow often produces sweat, which makes us lose the water that we can't replenish.

Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, tongue swelling, weakness, dizziness, and palpitations. To combat this situation, drink a large glass of water about 30 minutes before entering the driveway, and take regular breaks to rehydrate.

Related: The best water bottle to keep you hydrated

Learning the correct method of shoveling snow can help minimize potential health risks. The best way to shovel is to bend your knees, keep the blade as close to your body as possible, and push up with your legs when lifting. Lifting with the legs instead of the upper body or back can reduce the pressure on the back muscles. Choking on the shovel can also produce a safer and more stable grip.

Avoid the danger of lifting and throwing heavy snow shovel. Instead, consider using a snow shovel or snow blower.

Related: The best electric snow shovel for easy snow removal

When it comes to reducing the health risks associated with snow shoveling, wearing the right clothes for cold weather is indeed amazing. Layered clothing is ideal because it can be added or removed as needed. Synthetic base layers, such as these from Thermajohn, can draw moisture away from the skin. Avoid using cotton because it does not absorb sweat and lacks warmth.

Make sure to cover your head, hands, and feet properly with hats, gloves, and thick socks. These items can all be found on Amazon. On your feet, wear boots with non-slip soles to ensure that you can stay upright even in icy conditions.

Related: The best winter hats for men and women when working outdoors

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