Shoveling tips

If you want to get anywhere today, snow removal is going to be part of the equation.

Health Commissioner Donald Schwarz has these tips for shoveling: 

Warm up with some stretching exercises inside.
Start slowly and pace yourself. Shovel no more than five loads a minute; don’t shovel for more than 15 minutes without taking a break. Pause to stretch every five minutes by standing up straight. Don’t feel the job has to get done in one session.
Push the snow. Don’t lift. If you must lift, use your legs not your back.
Drink during breaks to avoid dehydration.
Never throw over your shoulder. Twisting can strain the back.
Dress warmly in layers with a hat. Cover your neck.
Take smaller scoops of snow, keeping them light and small.
Take a break if you’re beginning to sweat. Bodies lose heat faster in damp clothes, which makes you more prone to injury.
Don’t smoke or eat a heavy meal before shoveling. It’s harder on the heart.
Don’t hold your breath; this makes your heart rate and blood pressure rise
In an emergency, call a doctor, or 911 for a medic unit, or go to an emergency room. Until medical help arrives, protect someone suffering from exposure to the cold with extra blankets and clothing.