The winter is almost officially here which can bring large amounts of snow here in New England-as well as the much dreaded snow removal that follows. In a study conducted by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that an average of 11,500 snow shoveling-related injuries and medical emergencies were treated in U.S. emergency departments each year from 1990 to 2006 (source: Science Daily).
While cardiac-related injuries accounted for only 7 percent of the total number of cases, they were the most serious, accounting for more than half of the hospitalizations and 100 percent of the 1,647 fatalities associated with shoveling snow. Patients 55 years of age and older were 4.25 times more likely than younger patients to experience cardiac-related symptoms while shoveling snow. Among patients 55 years of age or older, men were twice as likely as women to exhibit cardiac-related symptoms (source: Science Daily).
The majority of injuries occurred in adults but more than 1,750 children and adolescents under the age of 19 suffered from shovel-related injuries each year.
Most healthy, active, young adults and adults can physically handle stepping out into the cold and shoveling or snow blowing, however; those with pre-existing medical conditions are at a much higher risk of serious injury or even death. This is when it is best to consider hiring a professional snow removal team and save you the hassle or health risk.
If you are able to handle snow removal on your own, consider the following:
- Pace yourself and stop to take breaks when necessary.
- Stay hydrated.
- Dress appropriately. Dress in layers and keep skin from being exposed to the cold air. Always wear a hat to keep the maximum amount of heat from escaping your body.
- Push snow whenever possible rather than lifting to avoid strain on certain body parts.
- If you must lift the snow, be sure to lift with your knees-not your back to avoid a lower-back injury.
- Wear slip-resistant shoes.
- If a lot of snow is expected-shovel a few times throughout the day to avoid lifting heavy snow.
Stay safe and warm this summer by hiring a professional snow removal team. All-Rite has the right equipment and an experienced team to get the job done right and efficiently for you. You can rely on us to get you out in the morning so you can get the kids to school and yourself to work on time! Feel free to contact us for all of your snow removal needs anytime at: (508) 520-6550 or via the web: https://all-ritesealcoating.com/contact-us/