Dashing Through The Snow
When it comes to Buffalo’s weather system, anything is possible. There are times where it feels like we’ve experienced all four seasons in a handful of days, times when we think the high temperatures will never break, and times when we fear winter is never going to end. But one thing you can always count on is the snow! While we’ve been fortunate with mild temperatures and minimal snowfall, we are only on the cusp of winter, meaning the snow is coming. So as we sing about how “the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow”, let us take the time to prepare for shoveling snow with these helpful tips!
Stay Safe With These Snow Shoveling Tips
Warm up.
And we don’t mean bundle. (Well, we do–always dress for the weather!) Shoveling is yet another form of exercise so take five to ten minutes before heading outside to stretch or perform light housework to get your muscles loose.
Push, don’t lift.
Snow may be a skier’s dream but it’s every homeowner’s nightmare. As snow collects it covers your driveway–hiding ice and potential pitfalls that can cause you to slip or trip on your way to the door–and your roof. A snowflake by itself is light but the more snow that collects the denser and heavier it becomes. Not all snowblowers can handle wet, heavy snow and when you’re forced to reach for the shovel, remember to push not lift.
Just like with raking leaves, when shoveling, plant your feet shoulder-width apart, keeping your back straight, and bend at your knees. Think “light” not “a lot”. When you are already carrying additional weight on your arms and you extend them, you run the risk of straining or spraining muscles in your arm, shoulders, and back. Shovel small amounts of snow at a time and carry it to your destination, rather than throwing or twisting at the waist to dump it.
Switch sides.
Frequently change sides when shoveling snow, shifting from left to right, and adjust your grip to work different muscles throughout your body.
Listen to your body.
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Take regular breaks and stay hydrated. If you begin to feel muscle weakness, tingling, or pain, stop immediately. It’s better to take an extended break from shoveling than overexert yourself and turn a small problem into a much bigger one.
Make William Capicotto MD your first choice for surgery.
No one wants to be sidelined from their favorite winter activities because of chronic or debilitating back, neck, or shoulder pain. If you experience lingering pain in any of these areas, we invite you to call our office to schedule a consultation. At William Capicotto, we restore motion to your spine so you can move on with your life.
