Tips to stay safe while shoveling snow

As we wait for our first significant snow storm, whenever it comes, it’s important to remember that shoveling snow is a strenuous workout.

Here’s some advice from the Cleveland Clinic:

• Take frequent breaks to rest.
• Just like before you exercise, stretch out the muscles in your back, arms, shoulders and legs.
• Remember to lift with your legs not your back.

"Make sure you’re lifting from the center. Keeping your body upright, not reaching over," said Donald Ford, MD. "Make sure that you can throw the snow in front of you. Don’t try to throw it over your shoulder or to the side because that’s when people really start to get those back injuries, shoulder injuries, and so forth."

Dr. Ford recommends using a snow shovel with a longer handle that is bent in the middle.