Don't Underestimate the Dangers of Snow Shoveling

John Doe is a 54-year-old man who works in an office as an accountant for a large warehouse facility. John was an athlete in high school and could hold his own, on the court, in college. After college John got married raised a couple of kids and, like most middle class Americans, bought a house and went to work everyday. Some would say that John is living the American Dream.

John's kids are almost grown he has a son in college and a daughter who is a junior in high school. He does his best to provide for everyone and still sees himself as “in shape” even though his doctor and wife think he could lose about 30 pounds. John's father died in his 60s from a heart attack and his grandfather before him died fairly young from heart disease.

This January day the snow has fallen and accumulated to about six inches and is still falling. John's son is away at college and his daughter is asleep. John has decided to shovel the driveway and clean off the cars so his wife will be able to leave for work on time. It's still dark as John finishes his second cup of coffee to energize himself for the workout ahead.

The snow is wet and heavy, John just bought a new shovel it is large and ergonomically designed. He found it on sale so he thinks he got a good deal. John starts with the sidewalk it's a long narrow walkway from the front door. After about a half hour, the walkway is clean and John has worked up a sweat, he peals off his heavy winter coat and decides his hoodie sweatshirt will be warm enough. As he starts the driveway he feels the effects of the workout. His heart is beating fast, he can feel it pounding in his chest. It's moderately uncomfortable but since he hasn't worked out in years he thinks this is normal.

John is halfway done with the driveway. The sweat feels cold on his face. The discomfort in his chest has increased and he is feeling short of breath. Again, since he hasn't worked out in years he brushes this off as “normal” but a little part of him thinks something is wrong. John thinks if he can just finish the driveway he can go inside for a much deserved rest. John continues to shovel. Taking larger shovelfuls of snow to get done quicker.

The sun is rising now and John's neighbor Mike arrives home from his night shift job. Mike sees John working diligently on the driveway and goes over to say hello. As he approaches John, he notices John doesn't look too good.

“How ya doin', John?” Mike asks as he approaches.

“I'm alright, just finishing up the drive.” John replies.

Mike notices John is pale and sweating more than you would expect on this cold morning.

“I'm going to go get my shovel and help you out, John, I'll be right back.” Mike says.

Just then John, looks up at Mike and says, “Mike, I don't feel too good.” Just as he says this John vomits on the drive, falls to his knees and then on his face, John is unconscious.

Mike sees this and immediately checks to see if John is breathing. Mike is the safety guy on his shift at the plant so he has taken CPR. There is no breathing so Mike immediately calls 911, gives his location then begins CPR.

The arriving police, fire and ambulance alerts John's wife who was inside getting ready for work, she runs outside to see John lying on the driveway with Mike doing CPR and the paramedics positioning a stretcher next to John. As the paramedics move John to the warmth of the ambulance and begin their life saving tasks, the police and firefighters gather health and allergy information from John's wife. Within minutes John is rushed to the closest hospital and John's wife and daughter follow later with Mike driving them to the hospital.

Upon John's family's arrival they learn that John has survived a near fatal heart attack. The immediate CPR performed by Mike was most likely the crucial step in John's survival.

John will spend a few weeks in the hospital getting a cardiac cath and a number of tests and cardiac rehab. John will learn that his sedentary lifestyle, weight and cholesterol were contributing factors in his heart attack. John will receive nutritional counseling and exercises that will strengthen his heart muscle.

This is not a true story but one that is representative of the dangers associated with a sedentary lifestyle snow shoveling. The sudden moderate exercise combined with the cold and caffeine John had in his morning coffee places stress on the heart muscle of middle aged and elderly individuals. Snow shoveling is no more dangerous than any sudden moderate exercise that an individual may undertake. Be sure to consult your doctor about any exercise program you may decide to undertake this new year. Do this, especially if you have been sedentary through this past year.

Have a safe and happy New Year.