The 10 Most Important Things You Need To Know Before You Go And Shovel Your Driveway

Snow shoveling is important, particularly along your sidewalks and other walkways, because it can reduce the risk of fall or accident by pedestrians and you and your family. However, while a routine activity for Canadians, it is not as harmless as one might think. If not done carefully, or approached with caution if you have health issues, you can suffer harm to your body.

Before you head out to shovel your driveway, check out these tips for healthy and safe snow shoveling.

1. Check with your doctor if you are physically fit enough to shovel, and think twice if you have had a heart attack, have high blood pressure and cholesterol, are a smoker, and/or lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you fall into these categories, hire a young person to shovel for you, or ask a neighbor who has a snow blower to clear your snow.

2. Warm up your muscles by doing stretches and other flexing exercises to loosen up the muscles. Stretch your hamstrings, back, arms, and shoulders. Jog lightly on the spot to get your blood pumping.

3. Dress in layers that can be taken off when the job gets too hot and strenuous.

4. Pace yourself—it’s better to conserve your energy than try to ram through the snow and get it done in record time.

5. Rest every 5-10 minutes to catch your breath. If it’s a sunny day, enjoy the sunrays. Clearing snow by hand means that you are lifting and carrying hundreds of pounds of snow—the sheer weight of which you would not be lifting under normal circumstances.

6. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

7. Push the snow first down the centre of your driveway, creating a path. Then, starting at the uppermost centre part of the driveway, work from the centre to the parameter along one side, and then from centre to parameter along the other.

8. Maintain proper posture. Push the snow when possible. When you can’t push the snow, lift with your legs, not with your back. Use your shoulder muscles as much as possible. Don’t twist your body as you throw the snow, or throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side.

9. Be thorough, but not perfectionistic. Let the sun do its job if you’re shoveling in the daytime, or use salt or other ice-melting products to clear the rest away.

10. Whenever possible, start early. Newly fallen snow is usually less heavy than snow that’s had a chance to pack or partially melt. If you’re going to get a lot of snow, get out periodically and do several passes, rather than trying to haul it all off your driveway at one time.

If you've grown up in a place with snowy winters, then you're a veteran snow shoveler. Nevertheless, here are some tips to remember:

1. Shoveling snow is a very strenuous activity that puts pressure on your heart

When you are exhausted from shoveling, you have a grater chance of getting frostbite, injury, and even hypothermia

2. Stop shoveling and call 911 if you have: Heaviness and discomfort in the chest or arms, dizziness or are feeling faint, excessive sweating, nausea, or vomiting, unusual or prolonged shortness of breath

3. Stretch when you’re done, and, if you can, take an ibuprofen for your inflamed muscles—a salt bath can also be an amazing remedy.

4. Be a snow angel: If you have neighbours who are elderly, away, or just haven't been out yet to shovel, do their part of the sidewalk for them--they'll love you for it.

Look after yourself. The winter is long in Canada, and snow is often deep and heavy. Take it easy, and take time to stop and talk to a neighbour while you’re out there. If it’s sunny, enjoy it. If it’s a quiet night, gaze up at the stars from time to time. Be in the moment, and take care.