The winter can bring lots of snow to blanket the landscape with a beautiful white winter wonderland. The kids get excited (and maybe you do too), it means a day off from school to build a snowman and go sledding. Snow also mean clean up. We have to get out there and clear our porches, sidewalks, driveways, and other paths. You want to make sure you shovel your snow safely so you don’t over exert yourself. read the following Snow Shoveling Safety Tips and you’ll be enjoying your snowman in no time.

 

According to Scientific America there are more than 10,000 visits annually to the hospital due to snow shoveling. Most injuries are  from overexertion, or slipping and falling on ice.

• Snow Shoveling Safety Tips:
• Dress properly- Wear shoes that are non-slip, gloves, and a hat
• Use a proper shovel- Research shows bent shovels reduce the stress on your back. A smaller shovel is best so you don’t life as much snow.
• Try to push the snow rather than lift it
• Don’t eat a huge meal before going out to shovel. Your body will be digesting and this can put strain on the heart
• Don’t shovel when drinking alcohol, you may not be able to tell when your body is in stress
• Take plenty of breaks
• For big storms, go out and shovel smaller amounts instead of trying to shovel it all at once
• Teach children how to shovel properly

Children are also hurt from not shoveling properly. Just like with anything else, we need to teach them the proper way to shovel.

The biggest tip: Hire someone else to do it!

Do you shovel your snow? Do you live in a place that gets a lot of snow?