Prevent Personal Injury When Shoveling Snow!

          Use the right equipment. A smaller blade may mean you need a few more shovelfuls to clear the driveway but it will also prevent you from lifting more than is safe. A plastic blade will also be lighter than a metal one, reducing the total weight you need to lift. Ergonomic handles will help as well. Warm up your body and your brain. As with any physical activity, you’re less likely to pull a muscle or overly stress your heart if you warm up and stretch first. Dress appropriately. Good gloves, warm boots with good traction, avoid shortcuts to avoid injuries. If you’re too hot fatigue will set and frustration that could lead to a fall or a strained back Also, before you jump right in with shoveling, test your footing first.           Sometimes that first lift is deceiving and there may be ice under the snow. Think about what an injury would mean to your day, your week or possibly the rest of your life. Pace yourself during shoveling activities. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
        Snow shoveling is strenuous work. Throw snow forward. Tossing snow over your shoulder or twisting your torso to toss snow to the side can compromise your posture. Push when possible. But watch out for bumps and cracks that can catch the edge of the shovel and send you off-balance or painfully introduce your torso to a shovel handle. Stay alert and out of the way.
           When working near a road face the road so you can hear and see what might be coming your way.  When all done visit Full Spectrum Chiropractic and receive a heated hydro massage and have some hot clay packs placed on your sore muscle to relieve your muscle tension you may have created while clearing your walkway.