Experts Weigh In On Safe Wyoming Snow Removal Tips
In some parts of Wyoming, we haven't seen much snow, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Old Man Winter and Mother Nature are teaming up to unleash on us all very soon. For some, like me, a snowy and cold winter is welcome, while others are not. Either way, though, you have to expect it. You also have to handle the snow when it does fall.
When you were young, it was fun to get out and play in the snow, but as soon as you were old enough to help shovel the sidewalk or driveway, you had second thoughts about how fun the snow actually was.
As you get older, you may enjoy just getting out of the house when it's snowy, and deep down, that kid inside all of us is excited for the opportunity, but as Toby Keith sang, 'You Aint As Good As You Once Were.'
Experts say that once you reach the age of 45, you need to start thinking of ways to make tending to the snow easier, because the everyday chore of shoveling snow puts heavy strain on your heart. A stretch from 1990 to 2006, nearly 200,000 adults were taken to the hospital, with over 1,600 dying, due to the stress caused to their hearts while shoveling snow.
You've heard the phrase "Work smarter, not harder," and it can't be truer than when it comes to handling snow. Barry Franklin, Ph.D., FAHA, a longtime volunteer for the American Heart Association, explains how to reduce the risk to the heart when shoveling.
- If you have known or suspected heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, get someone else to do your snow removal for you!
- If you must shovel the snow, start gradually and pace yourself. Always cover your mouth and nose, wear layered clothing, and wear a hat and gloves.
- Ideally, push or sweep the snow rather than lift and throw it; that action requires a little less exertion.
- Be extra careful when the wind is blowing; it makes the temperature feel even colder than it is and intensifies the cold on your body.
- Use an automated snow blower rather than shoveling. While you should still proceed with caution and be mindful of how your body feels, research shows that using a snow blower raises the heart rate to around 120, compared to around 170 while shoveling.