PSA: Staying Safe While Shoveling Snow

As snow piles up throughout New Jersey, it is important to remember that shoveling snow places increased physical strain on the heart and proper precautions should be taken. 

Emergency responders report over 11,500 heart attacks from shoveling snow each year, and with heavy, wet snow accumulating in Lakewood, the risk of causing heart damage is even higher.

According to Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Luke Laffin, snow shoveling is very similar to being at ‘peak exercise’ on a stress test, and those who are not physically fit can be at higher risk of suffering heart attacks from the activity. The reason behind this is because too much exertion, done too quickly, can trigger a heart attack. This is especially true in the cold, when arteries tend to constrict, driving up blood pressure.

Additionally, the cold can keep people from realizing how much strain they are putting on their bodies while shoveling, leaving them clueless as to the possible damage they are incurring on one of the body’s most precious organs.

To protect yourself, there are several precautions you should be taking, regardless of your age or health.

  • Take it slow. Instead of trying to shovel an entire area, split it into sections, and take breaks between those sections.
  • If you feel tired, take a break. Don’t push yourself.
  • Stay warm and well hydrated. It is critical to keep yourself safe.
  • Pay careful attention to what your body is telling you. If you feel shortness of breath, chest pain, light-headedness, a cold sweat, or pain radiating down the arm or into the neck, stop shoveling immediately and go inside.

 

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6 COMMENTS

  1. Every snowfall my wife and I are terrified. Both of us have heart problems and are over 70. Many times I have to use a cane which is no secret. We have a disabled son who lives with us. On our block there are large families with many able bodied kids Ken Yirbu, yet only an occasional Latino will come and offer to shovel the sidewalk and driveway. We always pay him with money we can’t afford to. I am not angry, Chas V’shalom, but does anyone else see this as problematic or are our expectations too high?

    • I’m sorry for your experience. I would assume that your neighbors are nice, well meaning people and I’m sure there is an explanation. I’m sure if you asked a neighbor straight out, their children would be more than happy to help you.

      I do know that I used to live on a block where there were two families where each for their own reason/situation, there was no one available to shovel the snow. I remember EVERY time it snowed, the men all hoped for the zchus to be the one to shovel the snow (and it was a big job!). And after it was complete, I almost always heard or saw other men come outside, see that it was done already and express disappointment that someone had beat them to it and that they weren’t zoche to chap the mitzvah. (and the shoveling was always done in the most discreet, respectful way to preserve the dignity of the families)

    • Please just ask the neighbors, or their kids. They will be very happy to help. If you don’t ask, they assume you aren’t interested in their (amateur) shoveling.

  2. On a different note, please remind children to be careful with shovels and not to lift them up. My son got hit in the head this morning with a shovel and now needs stitches.

  3. I’m sure ppl don’t realize you need help. Reach out to your neighbors, I’m sure they would be happy to help.
    Post your street name and soneone on TLS will come over!

Comments are closed.