Over 45? Shoveling snow could be riskier than you think!
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Snow is falling, and the shovels are coming out. But if you're over 45, there's more to consider than just clearing your driveway.
Could this common winter chore be putting you at risk?
Snow shoveling is not just another household chore; it's a strenuous activity that can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine reports that between 1990 and 2006, nearly 200,000 adults were treated in emergency rooms for snow-shovel-related incidents, with over 1,600 fatalities recorded in that period.
Why is snow shoveling so demanding?
Bethany Barone Gibbs, an epidemiology and biostatistics professor at West Virginia University and volunteer with the American Heart Association, explains that this activity places significant strain on the body's cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
Those with heart conditions may experience a heightened risk of cardiac events, while individuals with musculoskeletal issues or impaired balance could be more susceptible to falls and related injuries.
While there's no strict age cutoff for when one should stop shoveling snow, the American Heart Association urges adults over 45 to exercise caution.
"Someone very young with a heart or musculoskeletal condition should not shovel snow, while someone who is older but very fit and without heart or musculoskeletal conditions might be fine to shovel snow," Gibbs explained.
The risk is even greater for those with known or suspected heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, as well as for smokers, the very inactive, obese individuals, or those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Retired American Heart Association expert Dr. Barry Franklin identifies five main stressors on the heart during snow shoveling:
1. Static exertion, which involves muscle contractions without joint movement.
2. Arm work, which places more strain on the heart than leg work.
3. Lifting heavy loads, often accompanied by breath-holding, which can spike heart rate and blood pressure.
4. Infrequent leg motion, leading to blood pooling in the lower extremities and reduced oxygenation of blood returning to the heart.
5. Cold air, which constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and can restrict coronary arteries.
It's crucial to be aware of the common symptoms of a cardiac event, such as chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, and irregular heart rhythms.
If you experience any of these while shoveling snow, stop immediately. Should the symptoms persist, don't hesitate to call 911.
1. Ask for help from someone in good health, or hire a service if possible.
2. Push or sweep snow instead of lifting and throwing it to reduce exertion.
3. Be mindful of wind chill, which can exacerbate the cold's effects on your body.
4. Use a snowblower, which is less taxing on the heart compared to shoveling.
Snowblowers can be a game-changer, as research indicates they raise the heart rate to about 120 beats per minute, significantly lower than the 170 beats per minute often reached when shoveling by hand.
If you're over 45 or have health concerns, it's wise to reassess your approach to snow removal.
Consider investing in a snowblower, exploring community resources for snow removal assistance, or coordinating with neighbors to help each other out.
Do you have any tips or tricks for staying warm and protected while tackling winter chores? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
Could this common winter chore be putting you at risk?
Snow shoveling is not just another household chore; it's a strenuous activity that can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine reports that between 1990 and 2006, nearly 200,000 adults were treated in emergency rooms for snow-shovel-related incidents, with over 1,600 fatalities recorded in that period.
Why is snow shoveling so demanding?
Adults over the age of 45 should exercise caution when shoveling snow, as it can pose serious health risks. Image source: Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pexels.
Bethany Barone Gibbs, an epidemiology and biostatistics professor at West Virginia University and volunteer with the American Heart Association, explains that this activity places significant strain on the body's cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
Those with heart conditions may experience a heightened risk of cardiac events, while individuals with musculoskeletal issues or impaired balance could be more susceptible to falls and related injuries.
While there's no strict age cutoff for when one should stop shoveling snow, the American Heart Association urges adults over 45 to exercise caution.
"Someone very young with a heart or musculoskeletal condition should not shovel snow, while someone who is older but very fit and without heart or musculoskeletal conditions might be fine to shovel snow," Gibbs explained.
The risk is even greater for those with known or suspected heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, as well as for smokers, the very inactive, obese individuals, or those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Retired American Heart Association expert Dr. Barry Franklin identifies five main stressors on the heart during snow shoveling:
1. Static exertion, which involves muscle contractions without joint movement.
2. Arm work, which places more strain on the heart than leg work.
3. Lifting heavy loads, often accompanied by breath-holding, which can spike heart rate and blood pressure.
4. Infrequent leg motion, leading to blood pooling in the lower extremities and reduced oxygenation of blood returning to the heart.
5. Cold air, which constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and can restrict coronary arteries.
It's crucial to be aware of the common symptoms of a cardiac event, such as chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, and irregular heart rhythms.
If you experience any of these while shoveling snow, stop immediately. Should the symptoms persist, don't hesitate to call 911.
Safer snow removal strategies
If you must clear snow, consider safer alternatives to shoveling:1. Ask for help from someone in good health, or hire a service if possible.
2. Push or sweep snow instead of lifting and throwing it to reduce exertion.
3. Be mindful of wind chill, which can exacerbate the cold's effects on your body.
4. Use a snowblower, which is less taxing on the heart compared to shoveling.
Snowblowers can be a game-changer, as research indicates they raise the heart rate to about 120 beats per minute, significantly lower than the 170 beats per minute often reached when shoveling by hand.
If you're over 45 or have health concerns, it's wise to reassess your approach to snow removal.
Consider investing in a snowblower, exploring community resources for snow removal assistance, or coordinating with neighbors to help each other out.
