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How to make shovelling snow less painful

  • Writer: Carole Chantler
    Carole Chantler
  • Dec 3, 2022
  • 2 min read

Anyone who lives in Canada knows the pain associated with shovelling snow. From back pain to muscle aches, shovelling snow is not considered to be a fun experience.


Once the magical part of winter ends, here is how to keep the maintenance part safe for you.


ONE - LAYER IT UP

First layer

Wear a synthetic material against your skin to wick moisture away


Second layer

Should be insulating, such as fleece


Top layer

Should be wind resistant and waterproof


Wear two pairs of socks - with a wicking pair first, a hat, a face mask to warm the air you are breathing and finally a good pair of winter gloves.


TWO - START SLOWLY

Instead of stretching ahead of time, warm up by pushing and moving small shovels full of snow at a slower pace for a few minutes.


THREE - PROTECT YOUR BACK

Whenever possible push snow out of the way instead of lifting it. But if you can't then

- keep legs apart

- bend knees slightly

- keep back straight

- use legs to lift

- don't twist your body to toss the snow

- scoop small amounts of snow while keeping the shovel close to you.


FOUR - TAKE BREAKS

With deep or heavy snow - start from the top and slowly work your way to the bottom. Take regular breaks and stay hydrated.


Stop immediately if you are feeling unwell or experiencing signs of a heart attack (discomfort in the chest and other parts of the body, shortness of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea and lightheadedness).


Some other things to watch for could include dizziness and arm or jaw pain.

Signs of frostbite may be stinging, tingling and numbness.


FIVE - GIVE YOURSELF SOME TLC

You will feel post-shovelling pain within 24-48 hours after the workout.


Mild activity - like walking

Over-the-counter medication (if you have no underlying medical conditions that stop you from having it) should help.


SIX - PUT YOURSELF FIRST

If you have heart disease etc, then maybe consider hiring someone to help you with the activity.

 
 
 

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