Dr. Andrea Noey shares proper snow shoveling tips

As Chicagoland faces a blizzard warning this weekend from the National Weather Service, with snow accumulations already reaching up to a foot in some areas and winds gusting up to 35 mph, area residents brace themselves to tackle shoveling themselves out.

“Residents venturing out to shovel snow should take precautions that could prevent injury,” cautions Crest Hill’s premier Chiropractor Dr. Andrea Noey, Owner of Natural Chiropractic Healing.

Before venturing out to shovel your driveways and walk ways before the big game, Dr. Noey recommends using proper snow shoveling techniques to help avoid injury and strains.

Plan ahead:

• Choose the right shovel. A shovel with an ergonomically curved and/or adjustable handle helps prevent injury.
• Warm up. Take about 10 minutes to get your blood flowing with some light cardiovascular exercise like jogging in place, and be sure to stretch your muscles.
• Push snow, as opposed to lifting it, if possible.

If You Need to Lift Snow, Use Proper Ergonomic Lifting Techniques:

• Always face the snow you intend to move, keeping your hips and shoulders square. Squat by bending your knees to lower your stance, and use your leg muscles, rather than your back, to lift. If your legs are tired, you’re doing it right!
• Shovel in small doses frequently, instead of a large effort all at once.
• Keep one hand as close to the blade as comfortably possible, while placing the other hand on the handle.
• Walk to the where you want the snow to end up (rather than reaching or tossing it).
• If you absolutely must throw the snow, don’t twist your body to do so. Instead, step into the direction that you want the snow to go to, always keeping your feet facing in the direction you are throwing.

Also recommended:
Make sure to take frequent breaks, about every 15 minutes, to keep from overdoing it. Stretch your arms, shoulders, and back, and remember to drink plenty of water.

“As with any vigorous exercise, it’s important to stay hydrated,” says Noey.

Also, if at all possible, don’t let the snow pile up before you start shoveling. It’s far easier to move small amounts of snow frequently than it is to move a heavy load all at once. So shovel early and often. And then head inside to enjoy the game. You’ve earned it!

Dr. Andrea Noey is the Founding Chiropractor/Owner of Natural Chiropractic Healing, Crest Hill’s premier center for Chiropractic, Colon Hydrotherapy, Nutrition and Weight Loss. For more information, visit ChiroColonics.com. Dr. Andrea Noey can be reached at (815) 733-5282.