The six things you need to do before you shovel
Unless you have a snowblower or plow, you'll be shoveling this snow by hand. Doing it the wrong way could be dangerous.
Beaumont Hospital says shoveling snow is equivalent to getting on a treadmill at full blast. You can't just jump in, you've got to be safe or you get get injured. Here are the six things you need to know:
Number 1: Warm up...inside. After all, it's likely 60-70 degrees warmer inside than outside. Stretch out and get your limbs moving.
Number 2: Now that you're limber, layer up! One winter coat likely won't be enough. Put some long underwear on, extra socks, long sleeves, gloves, and hat.
Number 3: All right. You've got your shovel. You're layered, you're loose...now use your legs to do the work. Bend your knees and left with your legs.
Number 4: Not too fast! Take a light loads and take it slow.
Number 5: Don't twist to dispose of the snow. Instead of torquing your back, shovel forward or turn your entire body at the same time. This keeps the strain off your lower back.
Number 6: Take breaks. Remember, the snow didn't fall in 10 minutes so you can't get rid of it all that fast.
When you're out shoveling, pay attention to your body. Do you have chest pain? Shortness of breath? Are you lightheaded? If your body says to stop, stop! Cold temperatures have an impact on blood circulation. It constricts the blood vessels and if you're not careful, you could be in serious trouble.
BONUS TIP: Do you even need to get out? Is school or even work closed? Check the updated list here before you do the hard work.
Hire out if possible, use a snowblower or plow if you can, and take your time.