Tips For 'Healthy' Shoveling

The recent blizzard brought over a foot on snow to most of Long Island with a half dozen towns gaining totals of over 2 feet.

If you are still shoveling the over one foot of snow left by Winter Storm Jonas this past weekend, here’s some tips on “healthy” shoveling by local chiropractor Michael Bernstein:

• If you have cardiovascular disease, pay someone else to clear your snow.
• Dress appropriately, wearing multiple layers of clothing, keeping as much skin covered as possible (frostbite can take place in much less time than you think).
• Shovel small sections at a time, taking frequent breaks.
• Do not overload the shovel with heavy amounts of snow.
• Bend at the knees when lifting the snow.
• Avoid twisting your body when moving the snow. Instead, move your feet in the direction you want to place the snow and toss it in front of you.
• If your back begins to bother you...STOP.
• If you experience chest pain...STOP IMMEDIATELY. If pain persists, is accompanied by numbness down your left arm, jaw pain, sweating or difficulty breathing, call 911.
• Drink plenty of water before you begin to hydrate your muscles.
• Make it into a family affair and get help from the kids.