Understanding The Dangers Of Shoveling Snow

By Author: Land Pro Landscaping & Tree Service
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Winter may be beautiful, but it can be quite dangerous as well. The last thing you need is to slip, fall, and spend the rest of the winter months in a cast. Yet, for thousands of people who attempt to shovel their own snow, this nightmare is a reality.

Shoveling snow or using a snowblower are among winter’s most grueling activities. High levels of activity in cold temperatures put many people at risk of heart attack, especially those that regularly have inactive lifestyles. While most people won’t have a problem, shoveling snow can put some people at risk of heart attack. Sudden exertion, like moving hundreds of pounds of snow after being sedentary for several months, can put a big strain on your heart. Pushing a snow blower is much heavier than it looks, so it can cause injury in the form of strained muscles and a pulled back. There’s also the cold factor. Freezing weather, like what we experience in Ohio, increases your heart rate and blood pressure. This makes your blood clot more easily and constricts arteries, which then serves to decrease your blood supply. This is true even in healthy people. Those over the ...
... age of 40 or who are relatively inactive should be particularly concerned about these possibilities.

The National Safety Council recommends the following tips to shovel safely:
#1 Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
#2 Use a small shovel or only partially fill a large shovel
#3 Lift with your legs, not your back
#4 Do not work to the point of exhaustion
#5 Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
#6 Shovel only fresh, powdery snow because it’s lighter
#7 Push the snow rather than lifting it up in the air

You need to remove ice and snow from walkways to prevent slips and falls. Clearly, shoveling snow and ice is one of the most dangerous aspects of winter. Instead of taking the risks mentioned above, opt for professional snow removal services by the same company who offers landscaping lawn maintenance in Ohio. Shoveling your own snow is extremely difficult. You are out in the freezing temperatures for hours, performing a task that requires quite a bit of muscles and shamina. You may slip on the ice. That is why in order to be as safe as possible, you'll want to hire a professional residential landscaping company in Ohio rather than attempt to do it on your own.

When snow starts to fall, so do people! In fact, winter falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in adults 45 and older. You want to make it to spring without an injury or illness. When the sun is shining, the grass is green, the flowers are blooming, and the air is warm, you'll be so glad you did everything you could to get through winter safely and comfortably.

Don’t pick up that snow shovel if you have a history of heart disease. A clear driveway is not worth your life! Remember, the same company you already trust for landscaping lawn maintenance in Ohio also offers this service during the winter months. Give them a call and let the professionals handle the snow and ice!