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!!!

Massachusetts Rep. John Binienda recently devised a way to help cities and towns pay for costly snow plowing. He filed a bill that would funnel proceeds from a new two-dollar lottery scratch card to cities and towns that need help paying for snow removal. Revenues generated from the “Snow Bank” scratch tickets would be put in a new fund ear marked solely for snow removal.