Joseph A. Abboud, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, said rushing through this task can lead to injuries, and so it should always be done at a slow and steady pace.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 203,000 Americans required treatment for injuries suffered while manually clearing snow, and nearly 27,000 were injured using snow blowers or throwers in 2014.
Here are some helpful tips:
- When shoveling, try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, keep the amounts of snow small and lift with your legs, without bending at the waist.
- Don’t throw snow over your shoulder or to the side, which requires a twisting motion that puts stress on your back. Instead, walk to where you want to dump the snow.
- Clear snow early and often, take frequent breaks and drink water to prevent dehydration.
- If you develop chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, get immediate emergency care.
- If you use a snow blower, read the instruction manual before use, and never leave it running unattended.
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Orthopedic surgeon to know: Dr. Amy Ladd of Stanford University
