Winter snow removal can be deadly. Studies show that severe winter weather, such as we experience in Massachusetts, results in a tripling of heart attack death rates in men 35 to 49 years old. Shoveling the driveway, instead of hiring a snow removal company, is a real danger to your health. Heart attacks, back strain, and muscle aches can result after a stressful round of snow shoveling.

Snow removal is very taxing on the human body. A an average shovel-full of snow weighs approximately 15 pounds; if you lift a load every five seconds, that’s 192 pounds a minute. Studies found that the amount of energy needed for snow removal is comparable to the energy needed to finish a round of tennis or speed walking. Cold air makes it difficult to breathe, which can add strain on the body. Also, the risk of hypothermia increases if not wearing the proper cold weather gear.

Tips for healthy snow removal:

• Avoid caffeine or nicotine prior to shoveling as it could cause your blood vessels to constrict and stress the heart;
• Drink water to avoid dehydration;
• Dress in layers so you can quickly remove a layer to avoid overheating;
• Like any exercise, do a proper warm up before you start;
• Not all shovels are created alike. A small blade means less snow and, thus, less strain;
• Bend your knees, lift with your legs and step in the direction that you are throwing snow;
• Hire a MA snow plowing company to do the heavy lifting for you!!!