Tips on Shoveling Deep Snow

Timing

• Shovel snow as soon as possible after it has fallen. As the snow accumulates, it becomes heavier, with one shovelful of wet snow weighing as much as 20 pounds or more. The longer snow is on the ground, the greater the possibility that it will be driven on or walked upon, which compacts it and makes it much harder to scoop.

  You don't have to wait for snow to stop falling to begin clean up. Unless you are in the middle of dangerous blizzard conditions, go out while the snow is coming down. Shoveling deep snow is a task that should be broken up and done a little at a time to avoid overexertion. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests that people shovel an inch or two of snow at a time rather than trying to remove deep snow all at once.

Shovels

• To lessen the amount of weight you lift over and over again, choose a shovel with a lighter plastic blade rather than a metal one. Plastic shovels are durable enough to handle even the amount of heavy snow that is safe for you to lift. Consider purchasing an ergonomically correct shovel, which has an angled shaft designed to reduce strain when lifting.

  Put a coat of floor wax or silicon lubricant on the blade of the shovel to prevent wet snow from clinging to the shovel when you dump the snow.

Health concerns

• When shoveling snow, lift with your legs rather than bending at the waist. Squat with your legs about shoulder width apart, your knees slightly bent and your back straight. Hold the shovelful of snow close to your body and walk forward to where you want to dump it. Don't attempt to fling the snow over your shoulder.

  In addition to the physical strain of lifting deep snow, breathing cold air and being exposed to cold temperatures makes your heart work harder than normal. If the air is very cold, wear a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth while you are shoveling. Being overheated also puts a strain on your heart, so dressing in layers is recommended. As you warm up, peel off layers.

  To reduce strain on your heart, don't eat a heavy meal, smoke or drink beverages containing caffeine before you start to shovel. Drink water before and during shoveling to replace fluids you lose as you work up a sweat.