Shoveling snow may seem like a great way to enjoy the out of doors and get a little good old fashioned exercise at the same time, but it may not be a good idea for older homeowners.
Ann Lukits researched risks associated with shoveling snow for an article she wrote for The Wall Street Journal (Tuesday, January 11, 2011). We don’t have a lot of snow in Western Washington and a snow storm is more of a minor inconvenience than a way of life, but for those of us with family friends and friends further east, it is worrisome.
A good number of hours and hard work are often necessary to keep driveways cleared and sidewalks safe for navigation. Studies show that hospitals treat over 11,500 injuries related to shoveling show every year. These numbers only include those that have made it into Emergency Rooms across the country, but we all know that most minor injuries are treated at home. Injuries range from musculoskeletal injuries and falls to those classified as cardiac insults. Snow is heavy and the temperatures are cold. The demands placed on the cardiovascular system can be catastrophic as the heart rate can increase to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes.
Still, snow shoveling is an activity that many older men are reluctant to give up. It becomes a matter of pride as they valiantly clear their driveways and offer to shovel neighboring walks. The Baby Boomer generation recognizes snow injuries and incidents as mounting concerns. Considerable research has resulted in new products lines designed to make this dangerous task easier and safer. Gwendolyn Bounds writes (The Wall Street Journal: Wednesday, January 19, 2011) about high tech-gear that is easy on your driveway and your joints. Not a bad idea if you are living in a snow belt.
I can remember shoulder high drifts in the Midwest when I was growing up, and the only tools available were standard shovels. Snow plows filled the driveways every time they drove by, and hearing about friends and neighbors having heart attacks was an annual occurrence. It is lucky for us that we don’t have to be one of those casualties. New products are now designed to ease the stress on backs and joints, and they decrease the chances of over taxing the heart. Even if you are a purist and want to do it the old fashioned way, you can find a shovel ergonomically designed and made from light polyethylene materials with curved handles for less back strain. You must admit though that electric or even battery operated shovels and snow blowers might not be such a bad idea. Personally, I like the idea of heated stair, walkway and driveway warming systems.
Yes, snow shoveling can be considered a form of exercise. Like any other form of exercise it is always wise to so some warm up stretches before you don your layers of clothing. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, now is not a good time to be showing off your prowess.
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