Coroner warns of snow shoveling risks

[January 14, 2009]  Shoveling your sidewalks and driveway can be a very strenuous workout. Every winter, people hurt themselves shoveling snow -- ranging from minor aches and pulled muscles to fatal heart attacks. Shoveling puts a lot of stress on the body in a short period of time. The additional strain on the heart causes a quick increase in the heart rate and blood pressure. Sure signs of overexertion include shortness of breath, heavy sweating or any kind of pain.

Those most at risk for a heart attack include:

• Anyone who has already had a heart attack.

• Individuals with a history of heart disease.

• Those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.

• Smokers.

• Individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Back injuries are among the most common injuries from snow shoveling. Older people with back problems should never attempt to shovel snow. An older person has a greater risk of slipping on ice or snow and breaking a wrist, hip, arm or leg.

Shoveling can be made more difficult by the weather. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds an extra strain on the body. There is also the risk for hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature, if one is not dressed correctly for the weather conditions.

The National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling:

• Individuals over the age of 40 or those who are relatively inactive should be especially careful.

• If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's permission.

• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.

• Take it slow, pace yourself, stretch out and warm up before beginning.

• Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety.

• Push the snow as you shovel. It is easier on your back than lifting snow out of the way.

• Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only half of a large one.

• Don't work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.

• Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra protection during winter's cold.

The University of Illinois Medical Center provides these tips to avoid back pain and injury:

• Stretch your back, neck, arms and legs with a brief warm-up.

• Use a shovel appropriate in length and weight to your height and strength.

• Bend from the knees while lifting and keep the spine as straight as possible.

• Push the snow when it is practical, as opposed to lifting and throwing it.

• Deposit the snow close to where you are shoveling, to avoid heaving it across a wide area.

"The relationship between snow shoveling and major injuries, including back, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal problems, is no coincidence," says the president of the Michigan Chiropractic Council. "A number of injuries, even deaths, could be averted each year if people followed safety tips while shoveling."

The Logan County Coroner's Office urges to you follow the simple, common-sense recommendations of various health and safety agencies. If, at any time while shoveling snow you have discomfort or heaviness in the chest, arms or neck, unusual or prolonged shortness of breath, a dizzy or faint feeling, excessive sweating or nausea and vomiting, STOP and CALL 911.

[Text from file received from Robert Thomas and Doug Brooks, Logan County's Coroner's Office]