More snow coming, take care when shoveling to safeguard your heart

Another snow storm is coming and our area is expected to get up to 24 inches of snow.
As with any other strenuous activities, if you have a history of heart disease it is best to be aware of the increased risk of heart attack:

Some tips:

• Always warm up before shoveling. It is like an exercise - whether you like it or not!
• Dress in layers, and cover as much of your body to prevent heat loss.
• Shovel earlier when the snow is lighter.
• Take frequent breaks - every 15 minutes or sooner if you feel tired.
• Don’t eat heavy meal prior to or immediately after shoveling.
• Use smaller shovels, use snow blower, lift smaller amounts at a time or try to just push the snow away instead of lifting.
• Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling.

Some warning signs to watch for:

• Shortness of breath, discomfort in left arm, chest pain, muscle pull in the chest area. All these could be signs of heart attacks. When in doubt, go to the emergency room or call 911 and get it checked out.
• Watch out for ice under all those snow.
• Making sudden body movements - you could pull a muscle!

After all the hard work, remember to keep your body in tip top shape by getting a therapeutic massage.

According to American Bodywork and Massage Professionals, regular monthly massage has proven to be beneficial in treating sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, lower back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, cancer-related fatigue, post-operative care, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation and depression.

To learn more about the benefits of massage, please visit our website at http://elementsmassage.com/warren/page/benefits