This past snow storm, recorded as the fifth largest snowfall in Chicago’s history took the lives of over 12 people in shoveling accidents. A Cook County medical examiner concluded that the deaths of 12 men and 1 woman were related to the strain of shoveling snow. Of the 12 men, 3 collapsed in the snow and had a heart attack.

Shoveling snow is a task people typically don’t enjoy for a number of undesirable reasons. Most of the time we look at the task as something we don’t want to do instead of a task we should not do. If you are above the age of 40, you should not shovel snow for you own safety. If you don’t work out on the regular basis do not tackle the snow by yourself at once. It is understandable that one might want to get the annoying task out of the way quick and in a hurry so if you must shovel the snow please follow these tips for your safety:

1. Do not shovel the snow without having someone know where you are
2. Shoveling is a workout, stretch before working out
3. Do not shovel snow at all if you have heart problems
4. Shovel snow when it is dry outside and the snow is light. Wet snow is heavy causing more strain to the body
5. Stop shoveling if you feel pain, tightness or shortness of breath in your chest
6. Bending from the back can damage your spine; always bend your knees instead

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