|
Shovel snow safely
Winnipeg Health Region
Wave Magazine, November / December 2009
If you have lived through a
Winnipeg winter, chances are
that you are well acquainted
with your snow shovel.
Winnipeg receives an average
of 115 centimetres of snow each
winter, so we have plenty of opportunity
to exercise our shovelling
muscles.
On the plus side, this is an excellent
way to stay active during the
winter. Health experts recommend
at least 30 minutes of moderate
physical activity every day, and
shovelling definitely counts toward
that total.
However, research shows that,
after heavy snowfalls, there is an
increase in the number of heart
attacks among snow shovellers. If
you take appropriate precautions
and keep safety in mind, shovelling
snow can be an invigorating activity
and help keep you physically fit.
Here are some tips
on how to shovel
snow safely:
- If you are not very active, don't do
heavy work regularly, or have a history
of heart trouble, speak with your
doctor before shovelling snow.
- Begin shovelling slowly to avoid placing
a sudden demand on your heart.
Also, pace yourself and take regular
rest breaks, every five to 10 minutes.
- Use a shovel that is suited to your
needs and capabilities. A smaller
shovel will lift less snow and put less
strain on your body.
- If you have concerns about your
ability to shovel snow, consider
delegating the task to a friend,
neighbour or family member.
- If you are shovelling, be alert to the
signals of heart attack, which can
include pain, shortness of breath,
nausea, and sweating (cool, clammy
skin).
- If you are experiencing the
warning signals of a heart attack,
stop all activity and call 911
immediately, or have someone
call for you.
Source: Winnipeg Health Region
 |
About Wave
Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Health Region in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books.
Read the November / December 2009 issue of Wave |
|
|
