Warm up, be smart when it's time to shovel

It started out to be such a perfect winter! Snow on the mountain and not a flake in town. Oh sure, there are a lot of flakes in town, but not of the cold fluffy stick-to-the-ground variety. Now it looks like the winter weather is going to continue for the better part of the month.

According to the 2009 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission around 16,500 of us were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries due to shoveling and another 6,000 of us for snowblowing.

Although you’ve had a while to get used to moving that white stuff around, it doesn’t hurt to have a few safety reminders.

As in any exercise program, please see your medical provider to make sure you’re healthy enough for the activity. If you suffer from asthma, heart problems or circulatory problems it’s particularly important that you talk to the medico first.

Shoveling snow is a vigorous workout, so it makes sense to warm up your muscles indoors by stretching for at least 10 minutes before heading out. Also be sure you’re hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugared and caffeinated beverages until after you’re done.

Wear light, layered, water-repellent clothes for both ventilation and insulation. Cover your head and put on mittens or gloves and thick, warm socks. Make sure your boots have slip-resistant soles or add chains or cleats to prevent you from falling on ice.

Start to clear snow early in the day. It’s far easier to shovel or blow a light covering of snow before it becomes packed and heavy. Plus it will then allow you to take several short, and very important, breaks.

Stop what you’re doing if you can’t catch your breath, have chest pains or feel light headed. Go indoors, drink a little water and if the symptoms don’t dissipate in a few minutes, seek medical attention.

Watch out for uneven surfaces, ice or other obstacles that may be hidden under the snow. Obstructions can damage your snowblower, or worse, make you lose your footing and do damage to you.

Make sure your shovel is comfortable for your height and weight and not too heavy. Space your hands apart on the handle to give you better leverage. When you need to bend, do so at the knees, not with your back.

It’s better to be able to push the snow to where you want it, rather than lifting it up. Do not throw the snow over your shoulder. Spray the shovel with a lubricant, such as WD-40 or cooking spray to help prevent the snow from sticking to it.

Never, ever even think about putting your hands into the snow blower! Or your feet for that matter. Be safe when adding fuel. Never add gas while it’s running.

Do not run the snowblower in enclosed areas. Don’t remove safety devices.

Don’t leave it running unattended.

And, please, keep children away from it. It’s not a toy. The USPSC suggests children under 15 are too young to operate snowblowers.

With a little common sense, you can get a little exercise, remove a lot of snow and stay out of the ER. But, if you’re really smart, you’ll get someone else to do it for you!

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at 264-4029 or by e-mail at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.