Q of the D: Do you shovel your own snow? Beware!
By DB
@dgobucks226 (34343)
January 22, 2022 9:34am CST
As I was shoveling snow from a recent storm it got me to wondering. Even though I'm still "young at heart," maybe I should get some help shoveling out my driveway and walkway when it snows. As they say, you're not getting any younger, and my aching back can definitely attest to that! I've also noticed I get a bit winded if I shovel repeatedly without taking a little break. If you do your own shoveling maybe you also noticed these things happening to you too.
Paying a neighborhood kid to do the work would have its benefits. Not only from being able to stay warm inside, but from a health standpoint too. It's probably not a coincidence that the number of heart attacks increase during the winter season.
Why? Because the heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body when exposed to extreme cold weather. When your arteries narrow, blood flow is restricted and oxygen to the heart is reduced. Combine that with the exertion from snow shoveling and it's a recipe for a heart attack or stroke.
So, if you're in a climate that gets snow do you do the shoveling or get help? Any tips you would advise to make removing snow easier and safer? Is there an age where you should stop shoveling snow?
Common sense snow shoveling tips:
-pretreat your driveway with salt before snow arrives
-warm up and stretch
-use a lightweight plastic designed shovel
-bend your knees, keep your back straight and squat when shoveling
Source idea- Healthy together magazine
Photo- healthline.com
18 people like this
17 responses
@snowy22315 (169883)
• United States
22 Jan 22
I would personally just prefer to have a snow blower. I hate shoveling. Our larger storm gave us some snow that needed to be shoveled, but it wasn't alot Thank God.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (169883)
• United States
22 Jan 22
@mildredtabitha I like snow...just not shoveling!
Big difference.
Big difference.2 people like this
@mildredtabitha (16051)
• Nairobi, Kenya
22 Jan 22
@snowy22315 wow. You are one of the few here in mylot who like snow. I've seen many posts of people complaining about snow and how they hate it
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
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27 Jan 22
@CarolDM Oh, I see. Yes, in all manners of life stress can be.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
25 Jan 22
Are there hilly areas in Tennessee where it snows? I remember driving through Tennessee heading towards Atlanta and Florida in late December. I can't remember the highway but there was snow on the ground.
Alarming fact: Did you know that stress (like snow shoveling) can lead to plaque from your arteries rupturing and causing blood clots?
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
25 Jan 22
@dgobucks226 Yes but mostly in the upper plates, in the eastern part of the state.
Not surprised about the fact. Stress is a killer.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53960)
• Los Angeles, California
22 Jan 22
I believe that. Weekend warrior type activities are not good - too much work on the body all at once. We don't live in snow, but Hubby has back issues as it is . . . I sure wouldn't want him having to shovel snow (I know what happens when he does intense yard work 
).
).1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
25 Jan 22
So very true there! Interesting fact: Middle aged people may be at greater risk than seniors when shoveling snow because they believe their fit enough, fail to warm up slowly when starting, and do not dress warm enough.
(May have undiagnosed existing health conditions)
One should consult your primary care physician if you have health issues before attempting to shovel snow.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53960)
• Los Angeles, California
29 Jan 22
@dgobucks226 I believe that. I tell Hubby all the time that we are no spring chickens anymore - so we DO have to watch it 
. Shoveling snow isn't exactly an easy peasy activity .
. Shoveling snow isn't exactly an easy peasy activity .1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
29 Jan 22
@much2say That's for sure! We just got a foot and a half dumped on us today. With frigid 20-degree temps and 50 mph winds. I will not be in any hurry to go anywhere. Glad I'm retired 
Did you know that stress (like snow shoveling) can lead to plaque from your arteries rupturing and causing blood clots?
A heart attack I do not need!
Did you know that stress (like snow shoveling) can lead to plaque from your arteries rupturing and causing blood clots?
A heart attack I do not need!
@rebelann (111143)
• El Paso, Texas
26 Jan 22
Actually, because I live here and dad was military, I've been well educated about the dangers of heatstroke. I only know a little about icy cold climates, #1 is stay under the covers til it warms up. #2 is don't get out of bed til it warms up ........ cheeze, it's better in the heat than the cold.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
25 Jan 22
I love those 2" accumulations. The most we have had at one time in my area so far has been 4" thank goodness.
Here's another Interesting fact: Middle aged people may be at greater risk than seniors when shoveling snow because they believe their fit enough, fail to warm up slowly when starting, and do not dress warm enough.
(May have undiagnosed existing health conditions)
Fortunately for you, that won't be an issue.
A post about working outside in the summer and avoiding heatstroke would have been a more relatable topic for you. 
The most we have had at one time in my area so far has been 4" thank goodness.
Here's another Interesting fact: Middle aged people may be at greater risk than seniors when shoveling snow because they believe their fit enough, fail to warm up slowly when starting, and do not dress warm enough.
(May have undiagnosed existing health conditions)
Fortunately for you, that won't be an issue.
A post about working outside in the summer and avoiding heatstroke would have been a more relatable topic for you. 1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
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27 Jan 22
@rebelann Ha, ha yes, it is. Seems both can make sluggish, but I'd rather go with heat. I can always go in the shade with a nice cool drink in hand
1 person likes this
@Vikingswest1 (6305)
• United States
22 Jan 22
Something to keep in mind when asking neighborhood kids to shovel...
If they get hurt, you're liable for any damages. Times have changed.
As a child, I would go around shoveling out the neighbors. Fifty cents here, seventy-five cents there, maybe a dollar for a big driveway.
I could make a few dollars every time it snowed. Growing up in Minnesota where it snowed several times each month, it was a nice way to earn.
I have slowed down and what used to take 15 minutes to shovel now takes 30 minutes.
1 person likes this
@Vikingswest1 (6305)
• United States
25 Jan 22
@dgobucks226
If I still lived there, I'd have a snowblower. 
It's a wet heavy snow when it comes down here and it's best to shovel several times if accumulations are expected.
It's easier and safer to shovel 3" four times instead of 12" at once.
It's a wet heavy snow when it comes down here and it's best to shovel several times if accumulations are expected.
It's easier and safer to shovel 3" four times instead of 12" at once.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
25 Jan 22
Yes, good point! And who needs an increase in homeowner's insurance. Maybe I'll buy me a small sized snowblower to help.
Oh, I bet in Minnesota that snow shoveling jig was like a full-time job
Well, when you shovel make sure you remember to follow these simple suggestions: dress warm, take frequent breaks to lessen exertion and warm up inside, and be aware of how you are feeling. Being out of breath or more tired than you expected are possible red flags for having a heart attack.
Well, when you shovel make sure you remember to follow these simple suggestions: dress warm, take frequent breaks to lessen exertion and warm up inside, and be aware of how you are feeling. Being out of breath or more tired than you expected are possible red flags for having a heart attack.1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (155957)
• United States
23 Jan 22
We have the kid across the street shovel for us. We are both too old to attempt it; and I am unable to do it. I don't know how old you are; but this might be a better idea for you too.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
25 Jan 22
I'm getting there myself Linda.
Interesting fact: Middle aged people may be at greater risk than seniors when shoveling snow because they believe their fit enough, fail to warm up slowly when starting, and do not dress warm enough.
(May have undiagnosed existing health conditions)
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (155957)
• United States
25 Jan 22
@dgobucks226 Interesting. We've had temperatures in the teens and twenties (single digits at night); and that's way too cold to be out there shoveling.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
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27 Jan 22
@LindaOHio I definitely agree. Hard to shovel away frozen snow.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (86732)
• United States
27 Jan 22
I can shovel like the dickens DB.
This big wrestler hunk woman that lives next door to me moves like a snail..cant shovel for shite.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
30 Jan 22
Thanks. We just got 18 inches of snow, so I'm taking that advice.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
22 Jan 22
I had a minor heart attack about ten years ago shoveling snow. My daughter either helps me shovel snow or it doesn't get shoveled anymore. Last winter we just waited until Mother Nature took care of the snow before I drove anywhere.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
25 Jan 22
@dgobucks226 It definitely wasn't fun...
Yes, I've heard that before.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
25 Jan 22
Wow, that must of been scary for you. If you're in no hurry to go anywhere Mother Nature works just fine! 
Here is an interesting fact I found:
Did you know that stress/exertion (like snow shoveling) can lead to plaque from your arteries rupturing and causing blood clots?
Here is an interesting fact I found:
Did you know that stress/exertion (like snow shoveling) can lead to plaque from your arteries rupturing and causing blood clots?1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40497)
• United States
22 Jan 22
Shoveling snow isn't usually a problem here. We did get a few inches of snow last night, though.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40497)
• United States
26 Jan 22
@dgobucks226 Wow, glad we don't get much snow!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
27 Jan 22
@1creekgirl Yes, one not fun chore and potentially dangerous too!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
25 Jan 22
It seems one can't get far enough south anymore to avoid snowy or icy weather. Even parts of Georgia have experienced some foul snowy/icy weather.
Here is an interesting fact I found:
Did you know that stress/exertion (like snow shoveling) can lead to plaque from your arteries rupturing and causing blood clots?
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
26 Jan 22
Ha, ha, good one. That looks interestingly delicious
A post about working outside in hot humid weather and avoiding heatstroke would have been a more relatable topic for you
A post about working outside in hot humid weather and avoiding heatstroke would have been a more relatable topic for you 1 person likes this
@just4him (305965)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
26 Jan 22
@dgobucks226 That's true. They like to think they still have it when it comes to those activities. I remember the last time I shoveled. I'm glad I live in a complex where someone else does all the work.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
25 Jan 22
One benefit of apartment/condo living. Yes, it's a good suggestion. I don't have a garage or place to store a large snowblower, but I might buy a smaller size one.
Here is something I found interesting:
Middle aged people may be at greater risk than seniors when shoveling snow because they believe their fit enough, fail to warm up slowly when starting, and do not dress warm enough.
(May have undiagnosed existing health conditions)
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99425)
• Atlanta, Georgia
25 Jan 22
@dgobucks226 Oh, Yes, Every once in awhile we have a big snow but not every year.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
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25 Jan 22
I saw on the weather channel about a couple of times you did. The roads froze and cars were piling into each other everywhere. Thankfully for those Georgia residents like yourself it is a rare occurrence.
A post about working outside in the summer and avoiding heatstroke would have been a more relatable topic for you.
1 person likes this
@mildredtabitha (16051)
• Nairobi, Kenya
22 Jan 22
Nice photo. Your advice in this post is good and beneficial for those who experience snow in their countries
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
•
25 Jan 22
Yes, A post about working outside in the summer and avoiding heatstroke would have been a more relatable topic for you
1 person likes this
@choijungeun (2508)
• Hangzhou, China
22 Jan 22
I never shovel the snow,because the sunshine will help me melt them
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (62085)
• United States
22 Jan 22
No, sir, I do not shovel snow. If we’re expected to get that much, I call the weatherman who’s always yelling “bring on the snow!!!!!” and tell him to come over and shovel it. 
Seriously, my neighbor shovels it for me when we get enough to shovel.
Seriously, my neighbor shovels it for me when we get enough to shovel.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
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25 Jan 22
I really dislike the weatherman this time of year 
Remind your neighbor of these helpful suggestions next time you get snow: dress warm, take frequent breaks to lessen exertion and warm up inside, and be aware of how you are feeling. Being out of breath or more tired than you expected are possible red flags for having a heart attack.
Remind your neighbor of these helpful suggestions next time you get snow: dress warm, take frequent breaks to lessen exertion and warm up inside, and be aware of how you are feeling. Being out of breath or more tired than you expected are possible red flags for having a heart attack.1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34343)
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25 Jan 22
Smart and I'm sure well worth it! Did you know that stress (like snow shoveling) can lead to plaque from your arteries rupturing and causing blood clots?
These tips might be helpful to your neighbor:
when snow shoveling dress warm, take frequent breaks to lessen exertion and warm up inside, and be aware of how you are feeling. Being out of breath or more tired than you expected are possible red flags for having a heart attack.
