Shout out to Cream...now you’re singing it aren’t you (with black curtains, near the station!) Gotta say, we are a bit giddy with the Northeast weather forecast. White gold!
But we do have a conscious as well and wanted to help you out when you’re finally going to get off your couch by the fire, shut off the binge Netflix show and get outside to keep the pathways clear. We thought it’d be nice on our end to help you with the proper techniques - because you can’t order heating oil if you’re flat out on your back….or I guess technically you can...but we digress.
Did you happen to know many people will be at risk for injuries from snow shoveling? Ranging from sprains and strains to significant back injuries (that’s gonna leave a mark), it’s important to think about safety and take precautions to prevent injury. Yep, we are actually writing an article about this. Remember, even light fluffy snow can lead to a lasting back injury if shoveled improperly! If you prepare and use safe shoveling techniques, you can prevent hurting yourself. No laughing matter (kinda, if you think we are taking this THAT seriously).
PREPARATION
- Make sure you have enough hot chocolate in the house, because you’re gonna need it when you come back in from the frozen tundra.
- Hows that ticker of yours? Do you suffer from cardiac issues? Are you not feeling well? Shoveling may seem like a chore, but it is a challenging physical activity. Consult with your physician (or significant other) if you’re unsure if it’s safe for you to shove (and we’ll cut the crusts off your PBJ’s as well)l. If you’re not up for the exertion, don’t risk your health - isn't that why people have kids anyways?
- This blows: Sometimes the safest technique is to not shovel at all and pony up for a snow-blower or even a plow. If you can’t, proceed to step four.
- I’ll Be Bahk’: (in our best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice) Stretch before and after you shovel: Just as you should stretch before running a race, eating an entire large pizza or lifting weights, it’s an important step in preventing injury. You can thank Richard Simmons or Jane FOnda’s workout video for that one.
- Dress for Success: Dress appropriately in layers for warmth, but be able to move well: You will need to be able to bend your knees without restriction. Namaste.
SHOVELING TIPS/TECHNIQUES (yep, there are actually people that study this stuff!).
- It’s not a dance contest, but try to avoid excessive bending and twisting at the waist: By bending your knees and lifting with your legs, you can maintain the normal curves of your spine and prevent injury.
- Lift only what you can: Heavy, wet snow may require smaller shovel loads.
- Use good mechanics: You can protect your back by using your legs and abdominal muscles. Try to avoid twisting as much as possible when throwing snow.
- Take rest and stretch breaks. If you become overly sweaty, dizzy or short of breath, it’s important to stop and take a break. Because we are feeling generous, we’ll give you 3, 15 minute breaks. If you continue to feel ill, or suspect a serious medical problem, seek emergency help right away.
- Shoveling/pushing snow: Push from the end of the handle with weight from back leg to front leg instead of bending at the waist. Keep your knees bent.
- Snowbank technique: Don’t try to save time by lifting too much! Insert shovel vertically into snow, step on blade and lift small amounts.
OR, you can move to a warmer climate…..
Stay warm and be safe out there and when you need oil...you know what to do.