Clearing snow is necessary but can be hazardous. A 17-year study of 100 emergency departments conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that an average of 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries and medical emergencies were treated in ERs annually from 1990 to 2006. These findings were announced in the January 2011 issue of the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
More recently, according to the 2009 U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, approximately 16,500 people were treated in hospital ERs for injuries related to manual snow and ice removal.
The most common snow-related emergency diagnoses were soft tissue injuries, lacerations and fractures, with the lower back being the most frequently injured part of the body. Acute musculoskeletal exertion, slips or falls and being struck by a snow shovel were the most frequent causes.
While cardiac-related incidents accounted for only 7 percent of the total number of snow-shoveling emergencies, they were the most serious and responsible for 100 percent of fatalities.
Those 55 years of age and older were more than four times more likely than younger individuals to experience cardiac-related symptoms, and among patients 55 years of age or older, men were twice as likely as women to have symptoms.
According to a report by Julie Garden-Robinson of North Dakota State University, those most at risk of having a heart episode during shoveling are people who have previously had a heart attack, individuals with a history of heart disease, those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, smokers and people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
According to the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, just 15 minutes of shoveling counts as moderate physical activity. Because of the exertion, there’s an aerobic quality to it, as well as some “weight lifting” elements. But like any other form of exercise, it’s important to prepare for activity. A good pre-shoveling warm up is to take a 10-minute walk or march in place, adding arm movements and back stretches. Pace yourself by taking periodic breaks, and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Finally, cool down and stretch afterwards.
It’s a good idea to check with your doctor before initiating snow shoveling or snow blowing, just as you would before starting any other exercise program. If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, you may want to opt to hire someone to do the snow removal for you.
While two-thirds of shoveling injuries occurred in men, 15 percent occurred in children under 18 years old.
Injuries are likely to occur when children either use a shovel the wrong way or play around with it. Among patients who receive emergency treatment for snow shoveling-related issues, children under the age of 18 are 15 times more likely than adults to be hurt from being hit by a snow shovel.
According to Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, shoveling snow can be a great outdoor activity for kids.
“However, it is important for parents to teach children the correct way to shovel snow and remind them that shovels are not toys,” Smith said. “Many of the snow shovel-related injuries to children are the result of horseplay or other inappropriate uses of snow shovels.”
Equipment & Technique
* Trade in your old-model shovel and get a more user-friendly one with a longer and curved pole, which decreases the risk of muscle injury. Select one that is made of lighter materials, such as plastic or aluminum.
* Dress in light, layered, water- repellent and wind-resistant clothing for ventilation and insulation. Be sure to wear a hat, scarf, gloves/mittens and warm socks, as well as boots with slip-resistant soles.
* Never let your breathing get heavy and labored, and don’t let your heart race; stop and rest whenever you feel your body is getting stressed. Take a break if you start feeling either too hot or too cold.
* Use an ergonomically designed shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. If a shovel is too short, you’ll stoop; if it’s too long or too heavy it will throw off your balance and make your movements awkward.
* When possible, clear snow early and often several times throughout the day. Begin when a light covering of snow is on the ground to avoid having to clear packed, heavy snow.
* The best way to clear snow is by pushing it, rather than lifting. Don’t throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side, which requires a twisting motion that can stress your back.
* Don’t try to clear deep snow all at once. If you need to lift, tackle small amounts of snow and lift with your legs by squatting with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Then straighten your legs without bending at the waist, and walk to where you want to dump the snow.
* Don’t let a hat or scarf block your vision, and watch for ice patches, uneven surfaces, and any obstacles. If you are using a snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times so you don’t trip over it.
Stop any time you feel pain. If you experience any chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, immediately seek emergency care.