Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling This Winter

It’s not technically winter yet, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t getting some wintery weather here in Clinton County. Chances are, you’re going to be doing quite a bit of snow shoveling in the coming months to clear your walkway and driveway, but it’s important to understand the risks of this chore. Thousands of people are admitted to the hospital with snow shoveling-related injuries every year in the United States, of which 7 percent are cardiac related. To avoid injury this winter, it’s important to follow a few simple tips to keep yourself safe.

Why is shoveling snow dangerous?

Shoveling snow is dangerous for a number of reasons. For one thing, it can be difficult to keep your traction when you’re working on a slippery, snow-covered walkway. Another important thing to consider is the fact that snow shoveling is in intense activity. Shoveling snow requires a lot of strength and effort, and it can be risky if you don’t typically take part in strenuous exercise. For this reason, many people opt to hire a snow removal service in Clinton County, NY to do the job for them.

If you’re still committed to shoveling your own snow, here are some tips to help you avoid injury:

• Avoid eating beforehand: When you digest food, your body uses more of your blood circulation to process your meal, which means there’s less available for your heart. Strenuous exercise after eating a large meal can increase pressure on your heart, potentially leading to a cardiac incident.
• Warm up before shoveling snow: You shouldn’t jump into snow shoveling right away. Instead, take some time to warm up with some light stretching, and maybe even a short walk. This will prepare your body to shovel snow and prevent back spasms and related injuries.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle all year: You are far less likely to become injured when you’re shoveling snow if you are generally healthy. Good diet and regular exercise on a consistent basis make your body more prepared for strenuous activity like shoveling snow.
• Stay on top of snowfall: Trying to shovel snow all at once after a heavy storm can be a daunting task. Instead of attempting to clear away snow only after snowfall has stopped, try to periodically shovel your walkway and driveway over the course of a winter storm. As long as you wear shoes with plenty of traction and take it slow if it’s still snowing outside, this method can save you a lot of time and energy after the storm.
• Hire a professional: If you are at risk of cardiac-related injury or you have other physical limitations that might inhibit you from shoveling snow safely, it’s best to contact a professional for help. A company that offers snow removal service in Clinton County, NY will be able to handle the work for you so that you can relax.

If you need a hand with snow removal service in Clinton County, NY, reach out to Rand Hill Lawns, Inc. Since 1986, our team of professionals has proudly provided a wide range of landscaping services, including fertilizing, lawn care, excavation and snow removal. Regardless of the specific services you need to keep your property looking its best this winter, our team is here to help. You can find out more about everything we have to offer by giving us a call today.

Categorised in: Snow Removal Service